[1] It is located 2 miles (3.2 km) north of Chili Bar,[2] at an elevation of 1,923 feet (586 m).

[2] The name honors Benjamin Kelsey, who came to California in 1841 and discovered gold at the site in 1848.

[2] Kelsey at one time had 24 saloons, 12 stores, six hotels, two barber shops, and a makeshift court of justice.

[3] Kelsey was among the first settlements of the California gold rush, with the first homes built in 1849.

[4] The Black Oak Mine Unified School District serves Garden Valley.