Ghost Town

By Crusader1307

A term easily recognized -  ''Ghost Town'' is one which instantly conjures images of delapitated and extant Western Towns. These ''settlements'', once ''thriving'' pieces of commerce in late 18th and throughout the 19th Century AD - such Villages were the side effects of the on-coming Railroads, Settlement (westward) needs as well as the all-consuming need for more land and of course, Gold or Silver claims, Rough shod (at first), many of these Towns were made of wooden structures and featured ''everything needed'' for a life on ''The Prairie''. Although many in truth - were little more than ''Tent Cities''.

With some time, more stable structures were built to include General Supply Stores, Mail, Hotel and the ever present need for ''vices''. These being Saloon, Brothel, Gambling Hall and of course - Undertaker and Sheriff Office. Unpaved streets (mud mostly) was the primary means of travel. Many Towns (as stated) were built to directly support Gold and Silver as well as Railroad Lines. As such, they attracted Workers and alike. Railroads meant the definate influx of ''civilization'' as well as possible Statehood.

But the real truth of the matter, most of these such Towns - failed. A combination of ''played out'' Mines, or lack of (redirected) Rail Lines, was ''death'' to these small Towns. Very quickly they became ''depopulated''. Soon empty and without proper care - these Town earned a ''new nickname'' - The ''Ghost Town'' (so due to the fact that only a Spirit would reside within such decayed walls). Often, passerbys would strip many of any usable wood and metal for other repurposing - thus totally removing their existence. But still, the ''ultimate caretaker'' was ''Mother Nature'' - who made quick disposal by Sun, Wind and Rain.

Still, some such ''Towns'' would survive - in fact even preserved. In this style, ''Ghost Towns'' show a ''Modern World'' just what life was like on the open frontier of The United State for MANY years. Many have served as ''stages'' for MANY Hollywood Film and Television Shows cenetring around The American West of the mid to late 19th century. Some still do retain a ''haunted flavor'' (if you will) - and are well know as being actual paranormal ''haunts''. But regardless, the few surviving American ''Ghost Towns'' offer that unique qlimpse into a by-gone Era.