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Tanoak, California facts for kids

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Tanoak
Former settlement
Tanoak is located in California
Tanoak
Tanoak
Location in California
Country United States
State California
County Humboldt County
Elevation
207 ft (63 m)

Tanoak was once a small community located in Humboldt County, California. Today, it's known as a "former settlement." This means that people used to live and work there, but it's no longer an active town or village.

Where Was Tanoak Located?

Tanoak was found in the northern part of California, in Humboldt County. This area is famous for its tall redwood trees and beautiful natural landscapes. The settlement was about 8 miles (which is about 13 kilometers) east of another town called Weott. It was situated at an elevation of 207 feet (or 63 meters) above sea level.

Tanoak's Connection to the Railroad

One important thing about Tanoak was its location right on the Northwestern Pacific Railroad. Railroads were super important in the past. They helped move people, goods, and resources like timber from one place to another. Many small towns grew up along these railway lines. Tanoak likely existed to support activities related to the railroad, perhaps as a stop or a place where workers lived.

Why Did Tanoak Disappear?

Tanoak was still shown on maps as late as 1949. This tells us it was a recognized place for some time. However, many small settlements like Tanoak eventually disappear. This can happen for several reasons:

  • Changes in Industry: If the main reason a town existed, like logging or mining, stopped being profitable, people would move away.
  • New Roads and Transportation: As new roads were built, railroads became less important for some types of travel and transport.
  • People Moved On: Sometimes, people just moved to bigger towns or cities for more opportunities.

Even though Tanoak is no longer an active community, its name remains a part of California's history. It reminds us of the many small places that once thrived and helped build the state.

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