Artwell, California facts for kids

Artwell was once a small place in Kern County, California. It was located about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) south of another place called Bannister, right along the railroad tracks. Today, Artwell is no longer an active settlement, meaning people don't live there anymore. It's an example of a "former settlement" or a "ghost town," which are places that were once busy but are now abandoned or have very few people.

What is a Former Settlement?

A former settlement is a place where people used to live and work, but for some reason, they moved away. These places can become completely empty, or just have a few old buildings left. They are often called "ghost towns" because they feel like they've been left behind by time.

Why Do Settlements Become Former?

There are many reasons why a town might become a former settlement.

• Changes in Industry: Many towns grew up around a specific industry, like mining, logging, or farming. If that industry stopped or moved, the jobs would disappear, and people would leave to find work elsewhere.
• New Transportation Routes: Sometimes, a town was important because it was on a main road or railroad. If a new road or railroad was built somewhere else, the old route would be used less, and the town might decline.
• Natural Disasters: Floods, fires, or droughts can make a place unlivable or destroy its resources, forcing people to move.
• Economic Hardship: Tough economic times can make it hard for businesses to survive, leading people to leave in search of better opportunities.

Artwell's Connection to Railroads

Artwell's location "on the railroad" suggests that it might have been a small stop or a place connected to the railway system. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, railroads were super important for moving goods and people across California. Many small towns, like Artwell, grew up along these tracks. They might have been places for trains to refuel, for workers to live, or for local farmers to ship their crops. When the importance of railroads changed, or if a different route became more popular, these small railroad towns often faded away.

Kern County's History

Kern County, where Artwell is located, is a large county in California. It has a rich history, especially with farming, oil production, and mining.

• Early Days: Before it became a county, the area was home to Native American tribes.
• Gold Rush Impact: While not a major gold rush area itself, the California Gold Rush in the mid-1800s brought many people to the state, leading to more settlements.
• Agriculture and Oil: Later, Kern County became known for its vast farmlands and, importantly, for its oil fields. The discovery of oil brought many new people and industries to the region.

Exploring Former Settlements Today

Today, former settlements like Artwell are often interesting places to learn about history. They show us how people lived in the past and how communities can change over time. While Artwell itself might not have many visible remains, other ghost towns in California are preserved as historical sites, offering a glimpse into the past.