Altorado, Alberta facts for kids

Altorado is a fascinating ghost town located in Alberta, Canada. It's a place where people once lived and worked, but now it's mostly empty. Altorado's story shows how important railways were in shaping early Canadian towns.

What is a Ghost Town?

A ghost town is a place that was once a busy community. Over time, most or all of its people moved away. This leaves behind empty buildings and a quiet landscape. These towns often become "ghosts" because their main reason for existing disappears.

Altorado's Beginning

Altorado was founded around 1912 and 1913. It started because of the Canadian Pacific Railway. This big railway company was building a new line. It stretched from Weyburn, Saskatchewan to Stirling, Alberta. People hoped to make money from the railway's trade.

Many early settlers were pioneers. They were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They chose to build their homes in Altorado. The town was located southeast of a place now called Foremost.

Life in Early Altorado

By 1913, Altorado was a growing community. It had important services for its residents.

• A doctor was available to help people who were sick.
• There was a post office for sending and receiving mail.
• Two general stores sold everyday goods and supplies.
• Three blacksmiths worked with metal, making and repairing tools.

These services show that Altorado was a lively place. People were building lives and businesses there.

Why Altorado Became a Ghost Town

Altorado's success depended on the railway. But in 1915, the Canadian Pacific Rail changed its plans. They extended the railway line further. The new stop was called Bingham, which is now known as Nemiskam.

When the railway moved, most of Altorado's residents moved too. They followed the railway to Nemiskam. This left Altorado empty. It quickly became a ghost town.

Interestingly, Nemiskam also eventually became a ghost town. This happened because Foremost grew bigger. Foremost was located right next to Highway 879. This made it easier for people and goods to travel. The story of Altorado, Nemiskam, and Foremost shows how transportation routes can decide a town's future.