Nashmead (formerly, Nash) is an unincorporated community in Mendocino County, California.[1] It is located on the Eel River and Northwestern Pacific Railroad[2] 4 miles (6.4 km) south-southeast of Spyrock,[3] at an elevation of 814 feet (248 m).[1]

Nashmead
Nashmead is located in California
Nashmead
Nashmead
Location in California
Nashmead is located in the United States
Nashmead
Nashmead
Nashmead (the United States)
Coordinates: 39°49′21″N 123°24′53″W / 39.82250°N 123.41472°W / 39.82250; -123.41472
CountryUnited States
StateCalifornia
CountyMendocino County
Elevation814 ft (248 m)

Nashmead began as a railroad stop with a store, hotel, and a few vacation cabins.[4] For a time, Nashmead was a transfer point for mail being shipped by rail on the Northwestern Pacific.[5] Nashmead was the site of a suspension bridge across the Eel River for foot traffic, unique for having only a single tower to support the cables.[6] The bridge was constructed in 1939 and was the only means for residents of the nearby Round Valley Indian Reservation to obtain supplies shipped by rail.[7]

A post office operated at Nashmead from 1915 to 1960.[3] The name honors J. Nash, its first postmaster.[3] The name Nashmead was formed from "Nash's Meadows".[3]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Nashmead, California
  2. ^ DeLorme California Atlas & Gazetteer (2008) Yarmouth, Maine p.47 ISBN 0-89933-383-4
  3. ^ a b c d Durham, David L. (1998). California's Geographic Names: A Gazetteer of Historic and Modern Names of the State. Clovis, Calif.: Word Dancer Press. p. 112. ISBN 1-884995-14-4.
  4. ^ Mayer, Lea (February 14, 1999). "Homesteaders stake their claims at Nashmead". Ukiah Daily Journal. Ukiah, CA. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  5. ^ Mayer, Lea (January 17, 1999). "Nashmead post office couldn't be named Nash". Ukiah Daily Journal. Ukiah, CA. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  6. ^ "Lone Nashmead bridge on Eel River where no roads enter". Ukiah Republican Press. Ukiah, CA. September 21, 1949. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  7. ^ "Suspension bridge at Nashmead to be dedicated June 4th". Ukiah Dispatch Democrat. Ukiah, CA. June 2, 1939. Retrieved December 18, 2023.