Rio Bravo (former settlement), California facts for kids

Rio Bravo was a small town that used to exist in Kern County, California. It was also known as Panama and Old Panama. This settlement was located about 2 miles (3.2 km) north of the modern-day town of Panama, right next to the railroad.

The Story of Rio Bravo

Rio Bravo was first settled in 1849. It was a Mexican community. The town got its name from the Spanish name for the Kern River, which was Rio Bravo de San Felipe. This name means "Brave River of San Felipe."

How the Name Changed

Over time, the settlement of Rio Bravo started to be called Panama. This new name described the area well. It was a low, swampy place, and it had many mosquitos.

Later, a new town was built nearby and also called Panama. To avoid confusion, the original settlement of Rio Bravo (which was then called Panama) became known as Old Panama. This helped people tell the difference between the older, former settlement and the newer, current town.