Pulga, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pulga, California
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 Pulga, California
Location in California
Pulga, California
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Butte County |
| Elevation | 1,398 ft (426 m) |
Pulga is a small, undeveloped area in Butte County, California. It is called an "unincorporated community" because it does not have its own local government. Pulga is located on the western side of the Feather River canyon. Another name for this community is Big Bar.
Contents
A Look Back: The History of Pulga
Who Lived in Pulga First?
Long ago, the land where Pulga is now was home to the Konkow Maidu tribes. They were the first people to live in this beautiful area.
How Was Pulga Founded?
The town of Pulga was officially started in 1885. A man named William King founded it. He owned a sawmill and also worked as a geologist for the railroad. A post office opened in Pulga in 1906, helping the small community connect with others.
What Did People Do in Pulga?
Pulga attracted people who were looking for valuable minerals. Some were gold miners, hoping to find gold. Others mined a special mineral called vesuvianite. This mineral is also known as "Pulga Jade" because of its green color.
Pulga was always a small town. It had the most people in the 1930s and 1940s, with a few hundred residents.
The Railroad and Pulga
The Western Pacific Railroad's Feather River Route passed right through Pulga. This train line was famous for its special "Vista Dome cars." These train cars had large glass domes on top. Passengers could sit and enjoy amazing views of the scenery as the train traveled through the canyon.
By the late 1960s, the train no longer used this route. The mining business in Pulga also slowed down.
Changes in Ownership
In 1994, the land that William King owned was sold. A place called the Mystic Valley Retreat and School of Hypnotism was built there. However, many of the buildings later became old and damaged.
In 2015, Betsy Ann Cowley bought the town's property, which was about 64 acres. She opened it as a place for female artists to gather and create. It also became a venue for special events.
The Camp Fire's Impact on Pulga
In 2018, a large wildfire called the Camp Fire started. It was caused by power lines near the Poe Dam, which is north of Pulga. The fire sadly destroyed two buildings in Pulga and damaged others.
Where is Pulga Located?
Pulga is situated at the mouth of Flea Valley Creek. The name "Pulga" actually comes from a Spanish word meaning "flea," which is why the creek is named that way.
A Union Pacific Railroad line also runs through the community today.
Images for kids
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Location of Pulga in California
See also
In Spanish: Pulga (California) para niños
