Sunset, California facts for kids

Sunset (also known as Old Sunset) was once a small community located in Kern County, California. It is no longer an active town or village, which is why it's called a "former settlement." Sunset was situated about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) east of another place called Hazelton. It was also found along the Sunset Railroad, which was an important railway line in the area.

What Was Sunset?

A "settlement" is a place where people live and build homes, businesses, and other structures. Over time, some settlements grow into big cities, while others might shrink or even disappear completely. Sunset became a "former settlement" because people eventually moved away, and the community no longer existed as it once did.

Where is Kern County?

Kern County is a large county located in the southern part of California. It's known for its agriculture, oil production, and diverse landscapes, which include mountains, deserts, and valleys. Many towns and cities are found within Kern County, and Sunset was one of the smaller, historical communities there.

The Sunset Railroad

The Sunset Railroad was a railway line that played a role in connecting different parts of Kern County. In the past, railroads were super important for travel and for moving goods like crops and oil. Settlements often grew up along these railway lines because they provided easy ways for people and products to get around. Sunset was one of these places, named directly after the railroad it was near.

How Sunset Got Its Name

The name "Sunset" was given to this settlement by a person known as Judge Lovejoy. He chose this name because he was very impressed by the beautiful sunsets he saw in that area. Imagine the sky turning amazing colors as the sun went down – it must have been a truly special sight to inspire the name of a whole community!