Calexico, Border town in Imperial County, California, United States
Calexico is a city in Imperial County at the southern border of California, located directly next to the Mexican city of Mexicali. A reinforced steel fence marks the international boundary that runs through the center of town, separating the two communities.
The Imperial Land Company founded this location in 1900 as a tent settlement to support agricultural development in Imperial Valley. Official incorporation followed in 1908 after enough residents and infrastructure existed for an independent municipality.
The town's name combines the words California and Mexico, reflecting the double identity of this border location. Families move back and forth daily between both sides, and many shops along the main streets serve customers from two countries with bilingual signs and menus.
Visitors should carry valid identification documents, as border inspections take place both when leaving and returning to the United States. Waiting times at the crossings vary depending on the time of day, with weekday mornings generally less crowded.
The border crossing here ranks among the busiest land connections between the United States and Mexico, with millions of people passing through each year. On some days, more people move across this line than at any other single point along the entire southern boundary.
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