Ocotillo, California

Ocotillo is a census-designated place (CDP) in Imperial County, California. Ocotillo is located 26mi west of El Centro, The population was 266 at the 2010 census, down from 296 at the 2000 census. It is part of the El Centro, California Metropolitan Statistical Area.Ocotillo was devastated by floods from Hurricane Kathleen in 1976; 3 people died. There are several cafes, a small market and a saloon that serves some food (Lazy Lizard Saloon). There is a new Desert Museum with displays about the desert terrain, flora, etc. and artifacts from the Kumeyaay culture that inhabited the area. It is located on the south side of freeway I-8.GeographyAccording to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 8.9sqmi, all of it land.HistoryOcotillo is located on a site that originally sat on the edge of ancient Lake Cahuilla and is the traditional territory of the Kumeyaay. The town originated as a retirement community. The post office was opened in 1957. In March 2012, a museum, the Imperial Valley Desert Museum opened in Ocotillo after many years of fundraising and construction.