Muroc, California, Kern County is a ghost town with a fascinating history that ties back to the early days of aviation and military advancements. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Kern County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 34.8950° N, 117.8653° W
Elevation: Approximately 2,300 feet (701 meters)
Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone (PT)
Established: 1910s
Disestablished: 1933
Comments: Muroc was originally settled in the early 1910s by the Corum family, who named the area after themselves by spelling their name backward. The town was primarily a farming community, but its location in the Mojave Desert made agriculture challenging. The dry climate and isolation led to its eventual decline.
Remains: Today, Muroc is mostly known for its association with Edwards Air Force Base. The town itself no longer exists in its original form, as the base has absorbed much of the area. However, some old structures and foundations may still be found in the surrounding areas, hinting at its past.
Current Status: The original townsite is now part of Edwards Air Force Base, a major military installation and testing ground for aircraft and weaponry.
Remarks: Muroc’s legacy lives on through its significant contribution to aviation history. Edwards Air Force Base has been the site of numerous milestone events, including Chuck Yeager’s breaking of the sound barrier in 1947. Although the town of Muroc has vanished, its name is preserved through the Muroc Dry Lake, a key feature of the base.
