Afton, Nevada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Afton, Nevada
|
|
|---|---|
 Afton, Nevada
Location in Nevada
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Nevada |
| County | Elko |
| Elevation | 6,430 ft (1,960 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
Afton is a fascinating ghost town located in Elko County, Nevada, in the United States. A ghost town is a place where most people have left, leaving behind empty buildings and a quiet history.
Contents
Afton's Early Days
Afton was founded in 1910 by a group of settlers, many of whom were Mormons. They came from a town called Afton, Wyoming. The new settlement was named Afton, just like their old home. It was also sometimes known as "Taber City." About fifty families, called homesteaders, moved here to start new lives.
Why Did People Settle in Afton?
The settlers in Afton were trying to farm the land. Afton was located north of a big farming project in Metropolis. This project focused on "dry farming," which is a way to grow crops in areas that don't get much rain. Farmers use special methods to save water in the soil.
A Post Office for Afton
Afton even had its own post office! It opened in September 1914 and helped the community stay connected. However, it only stayed open for a few years, closing in January 1918.
Challenges and Changes in Afton
Life in Afton was not easy. In 1915, the area faced big problems. There wasn't enough rain, which made it very hard for crops to grow. On top of that, there was a huge invasion of rabbits! These rabbits ate the crops, making the situation even worse for the farmers.
Why Afton Became a Ghost Town
Because of the lack of rain and the rabbit problem, the crops didn't do well. By 1917, only half of the original settlers were still living in Afton. While conditions got a little better later, it wasn't enough for the town to truly thrive again. Most people eventually moved away, turning Afton into the ghost town it is today.
Afton Today: Farming Continues
Even though Afton is a ghost town, the land is still used for farming and raising animals. Some of the ranches in the area are owned by the descendants of the very first settlers. This means that the history of Afton lives on through their families.
