Beaver Mills, Alabama facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Beaver Mills
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 Beaver Mills
Location in Alabama
Beaver Mills
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Alabama |
| County | Mobile |
| Elevation | 98 ft (30 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 251 |
| GNIS ID | 149608 |
Beaver Mills, also known as Beaver Meadow, is a fascinating ghost town located in Mobile County, Alabama, in the United States. It sits close to U.S. Route 45, just south of a town called Citronelle. This quiet spot was once a busy place, home to a paper mill. It also played a small but important role during the American Civil War.
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What is a Ghost Town?
A ghost town is a place that was once a lively community but is now mostly empty. People have moved away, and many buildings might be abandoned or gone. These towns often become "ghosts" when the main reason for their existence disappears. This could be a mine closing, a factory shutting down, or a new road bypassing the area. Ghost towns are like time capsules, showing us what life was like in the past.
The Story of Beaver Mills
Beaver Mills has a unique history, starting as an industrial center and later becoming a quiet, forgotten place. Its story involves making paper and even helping soldiers during a major war.
From Paper Mill to Ghost Town
Beaver Mills began its life because of a paper mill. A paper mill is a factory where wood or other materials are turned into paper. This mill would have brought jobs and people to the area, creating a small community around it. For a while, the town thrived, with people living and working there.
The town even had its own post office. It operated under the name "Beaver Meadow" from 1890 until 1906. A post office is a sign of a settled community, showing that people lived there and needed to send and receive mail. When the paper mill eventually closed, or the industry changed, people likely started to move away. Without the main source of jobs, the town slowly became empty, turning it into the ghost town we know today.
Beaver Mills During the Civil War
Even before it had a post office, Beaver Mills played a part in history. During the American Civil War (1861-1865), the paper mill was used for another purpose. It served as a "uniform depot." A uniform depot was a place where soldiers' uniforms were stored or perhaps even made or repaired. This shows how important even small towns and their industries were during wartime. It helped supply the soldiers with the clothing they needed to fight.
Where is Beaver Mills?
Beaver Mills is located in the southwestern part of Alabama. It is in Mobile County, which is known for its coastal areas and the city of Mobile. The ghost town is situated near U.S. Route 45, a major highway. It lies south of the town of Citronelle, which is still an active community today. If you were to visit the area, you would find a quiet landscape where a busy town once stood.
