Leon, California, is a ghost town with a history rooted in late 19th-century gold mining activities. Below is detailed information about the town:
County: Riverside County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 33.6414° N, 117.1136° W
Elevation: Approximately 1,400 feet (427 meters)
Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC-8; UTC-7 during Daylight Saving Time)
Established: 1880s
Disestablished: Early 20th century
Comments: Leon originated as a gold mining town in the 1880s, named after the nearby Leon Mine situated on a hill to the northwest. Initially part of northern San Diego County, the area was incorporated into southwestern Riverside County in 1893. The town had its own post office from May 4, 1888, until July 31, 1911, when services were transferred to Perris, California.
Remains: The site of the former mining town is located south of Winchester in the Domenigoni Valley, on Scott Road just east of Leon Road.
Current Status: Abandoned; classified as a ghost town
Remarks: Leon’s decline began in the early 20th century, leading to its eventual abandonment. Today, it stands as a testament to the transient nature of mining towns during California’s gold rush era.
