Ayer, Washington facts for kids
Ayer is a small, abandoned community in Walla Walla County, Washington. It's located in the northern part of the county, about 47 miles north of the city of Walla Walla. Ayer sits right along the Snake River.
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What Was Ayer?
Ayer was once an important stop on the Union Pacific Railroad. Imagine trains traveling long distances across the country! Ayer was a key halfway point for trains moving between Hermiston, Oregon, and Spokane, Washington.
A Hub for Train Crews
Because it was such an important stop, a hotel was built in Ayer. This hotel was specifically for the train crews. They needed a place to rest during their long journeys.
A Railroad Switching Point
Ayer wasn't just for Union Pacific trains. It was also used by other railroads, like the Camas Prairie Railroad coming from Lewiston, Idaho. The Pomeroy Branch line also used Ayer. It was a "switching point," meaning trains could change tracks here. This helped move freight (goods) to different places, whether north or south.
Why Did Ayer Disappear?
A small town grew up around the hotel and the busy rail yard. But the original town of Ayer had to be moved.
The Lower Monumental Dam
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built a large structure called the Lower Monumental Dam. This dam was constructed on the Snake River. When the dam was finished, it created a large reservoir (a big lake). The original area where Ayer was located became flooded by this new lake.
Ayer Today
After the flooding, the town was relocated. However, it never really thrived again. Today, Ayer is an abandoned community. You can still see the remains of the town, but it's mostly in a state of decay. It's a quiet reminder of its past as a busy railroad hub.
