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Westville, California facts for kids

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Westville
Westville is located in California
Westville
Westville
Location in California
Westville is located in the United States
Westville
Westville
Location in the United States
Country  United States
State  California
County Placer County
Elevation
1,600 m (5,249 ft)

Westville was a small, old community in Placer County, California. It was located about 14 miles (22.5 km) northeast of Foresthill. Westville sat high up in the mountains, at an elevation of 5,249 feet (1,600 meters).

Westville's Story

Westville was once a busy place that helped support many mines nearby. It served as a "supply and staging center." This means it was a central spot where miners could get supplies and prepare for their work. There were about forty mines in the area that relied on Westville.

A Post Office and a Name

Westville had its own post office, which was open from 1889 to 1919. A post office is where people send and receive mail. The community was named after its very first postmaster, a person named George C. West.

Becoming a Ghost Town

Over time, the mining activities slowed down. By 1925, most people had left Westville. Only two residents remained in the community. Soon after, even these last few people moved away. This caused Westville to become what is known as a "ghost city." A ghost city is a town that has been abandoned by almost all its residents. Today, not much is left at the original site of Westville.

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