Rough and Ready Island facts for kids
USGS aerial imagery of Rough and Ready Island
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 Rough and Ready Island
Location in Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta
Rough and Ready Island
Location in California
Rough and Ready Island
Location in the United States
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Northern California |
| Coordinates | 37°57′03″N 121°21′41″W / 37.95083°N 121.36139°W |
| Adjacent bodies of water | Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta |
| Highest elevation | 0 ft (0 m) |
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United States
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| State |  California |
| County | San Joaquin |
Rough and Ready Island is a small piece of land surrounded by water. It is located in the San Joaquin River in California. This island is part of the large Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta. You can find it in San Joaquin County. Its exact location is 37°57′03″N 121°21′41″W / 37.95083°N 121.36139°W. In 1981, the United States Geological Survey measured its height as being at sea level.
Rough and Ready Island is home to an important place called the Rough and Ready Island Naval Supply Depot. This depot has played a big role in supporting the United States Navy.
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About Rough and Ready Island
Rough and Ready Island is a unique island. It is not a natural island formed by land, but rather a piece of land that became an island when waterways were created around it. It sits in a very important area for water and nature.
Where is Rough and Ready Island?
The island is located in the central part of California. It is specifically within the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta. This delta is a huge area where two major rivers, the Sacramento and San Joaquin, meet. They then flow into San Francisco Bay.
The delta is a mix of rivers, sloughs (small channels), and islands. It is a vital area for California's water supply. It also provides homes for many different kinds of plants and animals.
A Naval Supply Depot is like a giant warehouse and distribution center for the United States Navy. It stores and sends out all kinds of supplies that the Navy needs. This includes food, fuel, equipment, and parts for ships and planes.
The Rough and Ready Island Naval Supply Depot was a very busy place. It helped make sure that Navy ships and bases had everything they needed to operate. This was especially important during times of war or when the Navy was very active.
History of the Depot
The Rough and Ready Island Naval Supply Depot was built during World War II. The United States needed many places to store and move supplies for its military. The location in the delta was perfect because it had access to both river and rail transport.
The depot officially opened in 1944. It quickly became a key part of the Navy's supply chain. Thousands of people worked there, helping to load and unload goods. They also managed the huge amounts of supplies.
Life at the Depot
Working at the depot was a big job. People would receive supplies from trains and trucks. Then, they would store them in large warehouses. When needed, these supplies would be loaded onto ships or other vehicles. They would then be sent to naval bases around the world.
The depot had its own rail lines and docks. This allowed for efficient movement of goods. It was a bustling place, full of activity, especially during the war years.
The Island Today
After many years of service, the Rough and Ready Island Naval Supply Depot closed down. This happened in the 1990s as part of a plan to reduce military bases. Today, the island is no longer a active naval base.
Parts of the island have been redeveloped for other uses. It remains an important part of the local community and history. The island's past as a vital supply center is a reminder of its role in supporting the nation's defense.
