Reka, California facts for kids

Reka was once a small community located in Fresno County, California. It is no longer an active town or village today, which is why it's called a "former settlement." Reka was situated about 1 mile (1.6 km) south-southeast of the city of Sanger. It was found at an elevation of 361 feet (110 meters) above sea level.

Reka was connected to the Southern Pacific Railroad, which was a very important railway system in the past. This railroad helped transport goods and people across the region. Reka was still shown on maps as late as 1923, which means it was likely active around that time.

What is a Former Settlement?

A former settlement is a place where people once lived and built homes, but it is no longer inhabited or recognized as a community. These places are sometimes called "ghost towns" if they are completely abandoned. Reka is an example of such a place.

Why Do Settlements Disappear?

Settlements can disappear for many reasons. Sometimes, the main reason people settled there, like a gold mine or a specific resource, runs out. Other times, changes in transportation, such as new roads or railroads bypassing a town, can cause people to move away. Economic changes or natural events like floods can also lead to a settlement being abandoned.

For Reka, its connection to the Southern Pacific Railroad suggests that transportation was important to its existence. When train routes changed or other forms of transport became more popular, small railway stops like Reka might have lost their purpose.

Reka's Location and History

Reka was located in the heart of Fresno County, a large area in California known for its rich agricultural lands. The county is part of the San Joaquin Valley, which is famous for growing many different crops.

Being near Sanger, Reka was in an area that was developing in the early 20th century. The fact that Reka appeared on maps until 1923 tells us it was a recognized place for at least some time. However, without more historical records, the exact reasons for its decline are not fully known. Today, Reka is just a historical location on old maps, reminding us of the changing landscape of California.