Canyon, Washington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Canyon, Washington
|
|
|---|---|
 Canyon, Washington
Location in Washington (state)
Canyon, Washington
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| County | Whitman |
| Established | 1905 |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
Canyon was once a small community in Whitman County, in the U.S. state of Washington. Today, it is known as an "extinct town" or a "ghost town." This means it's a place where people used to live and work, but now it's mostly empty or abandoned.
Contents
What is a Ghost Town?
A ghost town is a place that once had a lively community but is now deserted. These towns often become empty because the main reason people lived there disappeared. This could be a mine closing, a railroad changing its route, or a natural disaster.
Why Do Towns Become Ghost Towns?
Many things can cause a town to become a ghost town.
- Economic changes: If a town's main industry, like mining or logging, stops, people might leave to find work elsewhere.
- Natural disasters: Floods, fires, or droughts can make a town unlivable.
- Changes in transportation: New roads or railways might bypass a town, making it harder for businesses to thrive.
- Resource depletion: If a town relies on a natural resource, like gold or water, and it runs out, the town might be abandoned.
The Story of Canyon
Canyon was a small settlement in eastern Washington. It was named after a canyon located nearby. The town's history is quite brief, lasting only a few years.
When Was Canyon Established?
A post office was opened in Canyon in 1905. This usually means the community was growing enough to need its own mail service. People would send and receive letters and packages there.
When Did Canyon Become a Ghost Town?
The post office in Canyon closed in 1918. This often signals the end of a small town. When the post office closes, it means there aren't enough people living there to keep it running. After 1918, Canyon slowly became an extinct town. Today, there are likely no buildings left, or only a few ruins.
