Stanwood, California facts for kids

Stanwood was once a small community in Butte County, California, in the United States. It was located about 3 miles (5 kilometers) northwest of a place called Berry Creek. Stanwood is no longer an active town; it's what we call a "former settlement," meaning people used to live and work there, but now it's mostly empty or has very few residents.

What Was Stanwood?

Stanwood was a place that grew up around a specific industry. It was known for its connection to the lumber business. A large lumber mill, owned by the Swayne Lumber Company, was built there. This mill was very important for the area.

The Lumber Mill

The Swayne Lumber Company's mill was the heart of Stanwood. A lumber mill is a factory where logs from trees are cut into planks and other wood products. These products are then used to build houses, furniture, and many other things. The mill would have brought jobs and people to the area, helping the community to grow, even if only for a short time.

A Place with a Post Office

For a while, Stanwood was active enough to have its own post office. A post office is where people send and receive mail. The Stanwood post office operated from 1905 to 1915. This shows that during those years, there were enough people living and working in Stanwood to need a way to send letters and packages. After 1915, the post office closed, which often happens when a community shrinks or people move away.

Why Do Settlements Disappear?

Many small settlements like Stanwood no longer exist today. This can happen for several reasons. Sometimes, the main industry that supported the town, like a lumber mill or a mine, closes down. When the jobs disappear, people move to other places to find work. Changes in transportation, natural events, or even new technologies can also cause communities to fade away. Stanwood's story is a small part of California's history, showing how communities can rise and fall over time.