Zamora, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Zamora
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 Zamora
Location in California
Zamora
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Yolo County |
| Elevation | 52 ft (16 m) |
Zamora is a small community in Yolo County, California, U.S.. It is located near Interstate 5, west of Knights Landing. Zamora has a ZIP code of 95698 and an area code 530. It sits in the northern part of Yolo County, about 52 feet (16 meters) above sea level.
Zamora was once a busy town with many shops and services. It had a hotel, two stores, a jail, and even a medical office. There were also schools and churches. However, in 1949 and 1969, new highways were built. These roads went right through the town, changing it a lot. Today, Zamora is much smaller, but the community spirit is still strong.
For many years, children from Zamora went to local schools. Younger kids attended Cacheville School, and older kids went to Zamora Union School. This school had two classrooms for different age groups. Now, most children attend schools in Woodland, California. Older students go to Woodland High School.
In 2010, the Zamora 4-H Club celebrated its 80th birthday. This club has helped keep the community together, especially after the local school closed. In 2005, Zamora had about 61 people. Officials thought the population might grow to 99 by 2025. Zamora has its own post office, a volunteer fire department, and St. Agnes Catholic Church.
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What is Zamora's Economy Like?
Like most of Yolo County, Zamora's economy is mainly based on farming. Many families have owned land or lived in the Zamora area for a long time, some for three or more generations.
The Bariani Olive Oil Company built a large processing plant near Zamora. In 2004, the Sacramento Business Journal reported on this project. The company bought 130 acres (0.53 km²) of land. This land is big enough for 18,000 olive trees and a 30,000 square foot (2,787 m²) building.
A Look at Zamora's Past
Early Inhabitants and European Arrival
The first people to live in the Zamora area were Native Americans from the Patwin tribe. They were skilled hunters and gatherers. They used bows and arrows, spears, and nets to hunt animals like deer, elk, and various birds. They also gathered plants for food.
In the early 1800s, Spanish explorers came to the area. Their arrival brought many changes. Sadly, thousands of Patwin people died from new diseases or harsh treatment. Some were also forced to work on missions and ranches.
Later, between 1829 and 1846, fur trappers and hunters visited the area. They sometimes traded with the Patwin people. The California gold rush in 1849 brought even more people, which led to more challenges for the native population.
How Zamora Was Settled
The first European settlers arrived in the 1850s. They included families like the Bemmerlys, Harleys, and Burgers. Many settlers gained land through the Homestead Act of 1862. This law offered 160 acres of public land to families who would clear, improve, and live on the land for five years.
Some of the Zamora area was once part of a large land grant called Rancho de Hardy-Rio de Jesus Maria Rancho. This land was given to Thomas Hardy in 1843.
The Growth of Black's Station
Many towns grew in Yolo County between 1868 and 1888. Zamora was one of them, but it was first known as Black's. It was named after J. J. Black, who settled there in 1865.
In 1875, the Northern Railway Company started building a railroad through the area. When the railroad reached Black's farm, he gave land for a train station. This led to the creation of Black's Station. Other landowners also sold parts of their land for the railroad.
The town of Black's Station was planned with blocks and lots. In 1875, C. H. Smart bought some lots and built the first house and a blacksmith shop. Soon, more people bought land and started businesses. Robert and Edward Huston opened the first store in 1876. A. C. Turner started the first hotel, and Thomas and Hunt built the first grain warehouse.
Black's Station quickly became an important place for shipping farm products. Farmers would bring their harvests here to be sent to markets. In 1903, a new water system helped the area grow even more. A new packing plant was also built, making Black's Station a center for fruit. In 1906, the town's name was changed to Zamora.
Zamora's Post Office History
A post office first opened in the area in 1857, called Prairie. It was located at Weyand's Corner, where there was a hotel, a general store, and a stagecoach stop. Mail was delivered by stagecoach from Sacramento.
In 1876, the post office changed its name to Black's Station. It moved to different locations, often inside the postmaster's home or business. On March 8, 1915, its name officially became Zamora Post Office. Over the years, it moved several times, including to the IOOF building. In 1969, it moved to a new IOOF building.
What Are Zamora Soils Like?
The town of Zamora gives its name to a special type of soil. The U.S. Department of Agriculture classifies Zamora soils as "fine-silty, mixed, thermic family of Mollic Haploxeralfs."
These soils usually have:
- Grayish-brown, slightly acidic loam on top.
- Brown, silty clay loam in the middle.
- Yellowish-brown soil deeper down.
Zamora soils are found along the west side of the Sacramento Valley and in other parts of California. They are great for growing many different crops, like orchards, row crops, and vegetables. The natural plants that grow in these soils include grasses, wild flowers, and scattered oak trees.
Farming and Crops in Zamora
Historically, grain crops were the main type of farming in Zamora. Farmers had to deal with years of little rain (drought) and years of heavy rain. In the 1930s, new pumps called turbine pumps were developed. These pumps helped farmers get enough water for irrigation. This meant they could grow more types of crops, such as:
- Row crops (like corn or tomatoes)
- Orchards (fruit trees)
- Grapes
- Alfalfa (a plant used for animal feed)
