Balzac, Morgan County, Colorado facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Balzac
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 Balzac
Location in Colorado
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| Elevation | 1,251 m (4,104 ft) |
Balzac is a fascinating place in Morgan County, Colorado that you won't find on many maps today. It's known as a ghost town, which means it was once a lively community but is now mostly abandoned. Imagine a town where buildings stand empty and streets are quiet!
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What is Balzac?
Balzac is an extinct town located in Morgan County, Colorado, in the United States. An "extinct town" is another way of saying it's a ghost town. This means that most, if not all, of its residents have left.
Where is Balzac Located?
This quiet townsite is found in Morgan County, Colorado. You can find its exact spot using special map coordinates: 40°24′25″N 103°28′17″W / 40.4069°N 103.4713°W. It sits at an elevation of about 4,105 feet (which is about 1,251 meters) above sea level. That's pretty high up!
How Balzac Got Its Name
The community of Balzac was most likely named after a famous French novelist. His name was Honoré de Balzac. He was a very important writer in the 1800s. It's interesting how towns can get their names from famous people or events!
Why Do Towns Become Ghost Towns?
Many towns, like Balzac, become ghost towns for different reasons. It's usually because the things that made people live there are no longer available.
Common Reasons for Abandonment
- Running Out of Resources: Some towns grew up around mines or forests. When the gold ran out or all the trees were cut down, people moved away.
- Changes in Transportation: New roads or railroads might bypass a town. This makes it harder for businesses to get supplies or for people to visit.
- Economic Changes: Sometimes, a town's main industry might close down. This leaves many people without jobs, so they have to leave to find work elsewhere.
- Natural Disasters: Floods, droughts, or other natural events can make a town unlivable. This forces everyone to leave their homes.
- Lack of Water: In dry areas, if the water supply dries up, a town cannot survive.
Balzac is one of many ghost towns in Colorado. These towns are like time capsules, showing us what life was once like. They remind us how communities can change over time.
