Whiskey Flat, California facts for kids
Whiskey Flat is a name that has been used for a few different places in California. It can be a bit confusing because more than one location shares this interesting name!
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What is Whiskey Flat?
The name "Whiskey Flat" refers to a few different spots in California. The most well-known place with this name was an old town that later became part of Kernville, California. There are also two other places in Butte County that use this name.
The Original Whiskey Flat: Old Kernville
The most famous "Whiskey Flat" was the original name for a town in Kern County, California. This town was founded way back in 1860. It was a busy place during the California Gold Rush. Many people came to this area hoping to find gold.
Why the Name Changed
The town's name was changed from Whiskey Flat to Kernville in 1864. This happened because a man named Adam Hamilton built a flour mill there. The mill helped the town grow and become more settled. The new name, Kernville, came from the Kern River, which flows nearby.
What Happened to Old Kernville?
The original town of Kernville, which was once Whiskey Flat, is no longer there. In the 1940s, a big dam was built on the Kern River. This dam created a large lake called Lake Isabella. The old town of Kernville was flooded by the lake. A new town was built nearby and was also named Kernville. So, the old Whiskey Flat is now under the waters of Lake Isabella!
Other Places Called Whiskey Flat
Besides the historic town in Kern County, there are two other places in Butte County, California that are also called Whiskey Flat:
These are smaller areas, not large towns like the original Kernville.
