Secret Town, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Secret
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 Secret
Location in California
Secret
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  California |
| County | Placer County |
| Elevation | 2,904 ft (885 m) |
Secret Town was a small, historic mining community in Placer County, California. It was located about 5 miles (8 km) northeast of Colfax. The town sat at an elevation of 2,904 feet (885 meters) above sea level.
Why the Name "Secret Town"?
The name "Secret Town" is quite unusual! It came about because miners wanted to keep their gold discoveries hidden. When gold was found in this area, the miners tried to keep the location a secret. This way, they hoped to keep the gold for themselves.
Climate in Secret Town
Secret Town had a climate typical of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Summers were generally warm and dry. Winters were cool and wet, often bringing rain and sometimes snow.
The Amazing Railway Bridge
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The Secret Town trestle around 1870, with a train crossing.
Chinese laborers working to fill the Secret Town trestle in 1877.
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Secret Town was famous for its very long railway bridge. This bridge was a wooden trestle built for the Central Pacific Railroad. It stretched about 1,100 feet (335 meters) long and stood 95 feet (29 meters) high!
After the railroad opened, most of these wooden trestles were filled in. This was done with earth and rocks. The Central Pacific Railroad could then afford to send Chinese laborers back to improve the tracks. Filling in the trestles made the railway safer. It reduced the risk of fires caused by sparks from steam locomotives.
