Slatington, California facts for kids

Slatington was once a small community in El Dorado County, California. It was located about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) southwest of a town called Kelsey. Today, Slatington is no longer an active town, but its history tells us about early California.

What Was Slatington?

Slatington was a "former settlement," which means it was once a place where people lived and worked, but it is not a town or city anymore. Many small communities like Slatington grew up around a specific industry or resource.

The Story of Its Name

The name "Slatington" came from the main activity there: making slate shingles. Slate is a type of rock that can be split into thin, flat pieces. These pieces were used as shingles for roofs because they are very strong and last a long time. So, Slatington was a place known for its slate production.

The Post Office Days

A post office is an important part of any community, allowing people to send and receive mail. Slatington had its own post office for several years. It operated from 1903 to 1912. After a short break, it reopened from 1916 to 1920. In 1920, the post office was moved to nearby Kelsey. This move often happens when a smaller community becomes less active, and its services are combined with a larger, growing town.