Northspur is an unincorporated community in Mendocino County, California.[1] It is located on the California Western Railroad 11 miles (18 km) north of Comptche,[2] at an elevation of 358 feet (109 m) at Milepost 20.[1]

Northspur
The Skunk Train at Northspur in 2005
The Skunk Train at Northspur in 2005
Northspur is located in California
Northspur
Northspur
Location in California
Northspur is located in the United States
Northspur
Northspur
Northspur (the United States)
Coordinates: 39°25′22″N 123°33′07″W / 39.42278°N 123.55194°W / 39.42278; -123.55194
CountryUnited States
StateCalifornia
CountyMendocino County
Elevation358 ft (109 m)

At one time Northspur had a population of some 400 people, but declined along with the logging industry in the area. In 1974, there were still a few residents completely dependent on rail service on the California Western for travel into and out of the community.[3] Today Northspur is primarily a stop on the railroad where refreshments and entertainment are available in season.[4]

Services at Northspur station
Preceding station California Western Railroad Following station
Fort Bragg
Terminus
Skunk Train Willits
Terminus

A post office operated at Northspur from 1910 to 1922.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b c U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Northspur, California
  2. ^ a b Durham, David L. (1998). California's Geographic Names: A Gazetteer of Historic and Modern Names of the State. Clovis, Calif.: Word Dancer Press. p. 114. ISBN 1-884995-14-4.
  3. ^ Samson, Ann (February 6, 1974). "Skunk line residents left isolated by storm". Ukiah Daily Journal. Ukiah, CA. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  4. ^ Reith, Sarah (February 23, 2017). "To Northspur by Skunk Train, in the rain". The Mendocino Voice. Mendocino County, CA. Retrieved December 18, 2023.