Saxon, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Saxon
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Country | United States |
State | California |
County | Yolo County |
Elevation | 23 ft (7 m) |
Saxon is a small, unincorporated community located in Yolo County, California. An unincorporated community means it's a place where people live, but it's not officially a city or town with its own local government. Instead, it's governed by the county.
Saxon is situated about 7.5 miles (12.1 km) west-northwest of Clarksburg. It sits at an elevation of 23 feet (7 meters) above sea level. This community is also located along the path of the Sacramento Northern Railroad, which was an important railway line in the past.
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What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community is a group of homes and businesses that are not part of an official city or town. They don't have their own mayor or city council. Instead, the county government takes care of services like roads, police, and fire protection.
How Communities Grow
Many communities start small and grow over time. Some become big enough to form their own city government. Others, like Saxon, remain unincorporated. This can happen for many reasons, such as a small population or being close to larger cities.
Life in Unincorporated Areas
Living in an unincorporated area can be different from living in a city. Residents often rely on county services. They might also have a stronger sense of community with their neighbors. These areas often keep a more rural or quiet feel.
Geography of Saxon
Saxon is located in the Central Valley of California. This valley is a large, flat area that is very important for farming. The land around Saxon is mostly flat, which is typical for this region.
Yolo County's Landscape
Yolo County is known for its rich agricultural land. It's located west of the Sacramento River. The county has a mix of farmland, small towns, and natural areas.
Nearby Waterways
The area around Saxon is close to several waterways. These include irrigation canals that help farmers water their crops. The nearby Sacramento River is also a major feature of the region.
History of the Sacramento Northern Railroad
The Sacramento Northern Railroad was a key part of California's transportation history. It was an electric railway that connected cities in the Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Electric Railways in California
In the early 20th century, electric railways, also known as interurbans, were popular. They carried both passengers and freight. The Sacramento Northern was one of the longest and most important of these lines.
Impact on Communities
Railroads like the Sacramento Northern helped small communities like Saxon grow. They made it easier to transport goods to markets and for people to travel. While many of these lines are no longer active, their routes often remain.