Athlone, California

Athlone is an unincorporated community in Merced County, California.[1] It is located on the Southern Pacific Railroad 6 miles (9.7 km) west-southwest of Le Grand,[2] at an elevation of 207 feet (63 m).[1]

Athlone
Athlone
Location in California
Coordinates: 37°12′29″N 120°21′29″W
CountryUnited States
StateCalifornia
CountyMerced County
Elevation207 ft (63 m)

A post office was operated in Athlone from 1881 to 1905, with a closure during part of 1901, from 1906 to 1909, and from 1914 to 1937.[2]

Athlone was named after the Irish town of the same name, in County Westmeath Ireland. Early settlers was Lee R. and George Francher. Athlone was laid out and roads built in 1874.

The US Army built the Athlone Auxiliary Field (1942-1945) to train World War 2 pilots in Athlone.[3]

References

  1. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Athlone, California
  2. Durham, David L. (1998). California's Geographic Names: A Gazetteer of Historic and Modern Names of the State. Clovis, Calif.: Word Dancer Press. p. 741. ISBN 1-884995-14-4.
  3. militarymuseum.org Athlone Auxiliary Field



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