Cool, California
38°53′14″N 121°00′53″W / 38.88722°N 121.01472°W
Cool | |
|---|---|
  Cool Location in California  Cool Cool (the United States) | |
| Coordinates: 38°53′14″N 121°00′53″W / 38.88722°N 121.01472°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | El Dorado County |
| Elevation | 1,532 ft (467 m) |
Cool, formerly known as Cave Valley, is a small town in El Dorado County, California,[1] about 40 miles (64 km) from Sacramento, the state capital. Cool is at an elevation of 1,532 feet (467 m).[1]
It is contained within the area code 530 with a ZIP code of 95614.
Geography
[edit]It is built on State Route 49 between Auburn and Placerville on a hill at an elevation more than 1,500 feet (450 m) in an area full of trees, trails, camping, and other recreational activities.
The temperature ranges from 75° to 105 °F (23 °C to 41 °C) in the summer and 25° to 50 °F (-4 °C to 10 °C) in the winter.
Climate
[edit]According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Cool has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, abbreviated "Csa" on climate maps.[2]
History
[edit]The first post office was established in 1885.[3] Penobscot Public House, established in 1850, was a way station and stage coach stop during the days of the Gold Rush. The Penobscot Ranch still exists today. Cool, California, is a small unincorporated community located in El Dorado County in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Its history dates back to the California Gold Rush of the mid-1800s, when it was part of a thriving region of mining towns. The town was originally known as "Cave Valley" due to nearby limestone caves but was renamed "Cool" in the 1880s, reportedly after a Methodist preacher named Aaron Cool. While mining declined over time, Cool remained a quiet rural community. Today, it is known for its scenic location near the American River Canyon and serves as a gateway to outdoor activities, including hiking and horseback riding on the Western States Trail. The community retains a rustic charm and a strong connection to its Gold Rush heritage. [4]
Ultramarathon
[edit]The Way Too Cool 50 Kilometer run starts and ends in the town in early March. It follows sections of the Western States Trail with more than 4000 ft (1200+ m) elevation change along its 31-mile length.
Politics
[edit]In the state legislature, Cool is in the 1st senatorial district, represented by Republican Megan Dahle,[5] and the 5th Assembly district, represented by Republican Joe Patterson.[6]
Federally, Cool is in California's 4th congressional district, represented by Democrat Mike Thompson.[7]
Education
[edit]The Black Oak Mine Unified School District serves Cool. Cool currently has just one school – Northside STEAM School – catering to elementary students (TK–6).[8] Residents are zoned to Golden Sierra Junior Senior High School for grades 7–12.[9]
Until 2007 there was also another K–8 school in Cool, the Cool Christian School.[10]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Cool, California
- ↑ Climate Summary for Cool, California
- ↑ Durham, David L. (1998). California's Geographic Names: A Gazetteer of Historic and Modern Names of the State. Clovis, California: Word Dancer Press. p. 469. ISBN 1-884995-14-4.
- ↑ Marenco, Linnea. "Penobscot Ranch". Living. El Dorado County. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
- ↑ "Senators". State of California. Retrieved April 5, 2013.
- ↑ "Members Assembly". State of California. Retrieved April 5, 2013.
- ↑ "California's 4th Congressional District - Representatives & District Map". Civic Impulse, LLC. Retrieved March 3, 2013.
- ↑ "Home Page." Northside School. Retrieved on October 27, 2010.
- ↑ "Welcome to the Black Oak Mine Unified School District Archived 2010-02-12 at the Wayback Machine." Black Oak Mine Unified School District. Retrieved on October 27, 2010.
- ↑ "Cool Christian School"
Pacific Historian 10 (Summer 1966 pages 19–42): Goodness, Gold, and Gold, The California Mining Career of Peter Y. Cool 1851-52.
External links
[edit]
Municipalities and communities of El Dorado County, California, United States | ||
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| Cities |  | |
| CDPs | ||
| Unincorporated communities |
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| Former settlements | ||
| Footnotes | ‡This CDP also has portions in an adjacent county or counties | |