Carbon, Wyoming facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Carbon, Wyoming
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Ghost town
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 Carbon, Wyoming
Location in Wyoming
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| Country | United States |
| State | Wyoming |
| County | Carbon |
| Elevation | 6,831 ft (2,082 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (Mountain (MST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MDT) |
| Area code(s) | 307 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1597247 |
Carbon is a ghost town located in Carbon County, Wyoming, in the United States. It sits about 9.5 miles (15 km) west-southwest of Medicine Bow. Today, the most notable remaining feature is the Carbon Cemetery, which is recognized as a historic site.
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What is a Ghost Town?
A ghost town is a place where most people have left. These towns once had many residents. They were busy places with homes, stores, and schools. But for different reasons, people moved away. Now, only empty buildings or ruins remain.
Why Towns Become Ghost Towns
Towns can become ghost towns for many reasons. Sometimes, a natural resource runs out. For example, a gold mine might close. Other times, a new road or railway bypasses the town. This makes it harder for businesses to thrive. Economic changes can also cause people to leave.
The Story of Carbon, Wyoming
Carbon, Wyoming, was once a busy coal mining town. It was founded in 1868. The town's name, "Carbon," comes from the carbon found in coal. This coal was very important for the Union Pacific Railroad. The railroad needed coal to power its steam locomotives.
Early Days and Growth
The Union Pacific Railroad built a coal mine in Carbon. This brought many miners and their families to the area. The town grew quickly. It had homes, stores, a school, and even a newspaper. Life in Carbon revolved around the coal mine.
Life in a Mining Town
Miners worked hard in the underground mines. They dug out coal to send to the railroad. Their families lived in the town. Children went to school, and people built a community. It was a tough but close-knit life. The town was a hub of activity.
Challenges of Mining Life
Mining was a dangerous job. Accidents could happen in the mines. Winters in Wyoming were also very cold. Despite these challenges, people worked together. They built a strong community in Carbon.
Why Carbon Became a Ghost Town
Carbon's story as a busy town ended in the early 1900s. The Union Pacific Railroad found new coal sources. These new mines were in places like Hanna, Wyoming. The railroad decided to move its main coal operations.
The Decline of Carbon
As the railroad moved its operations, miners left Carbon. They followed the jobs to the new mines. Businesses in Carbon began to close. Fewer and fewer people remained in the town. By 1902, most residents had left.
What Remains Today
Today, Carbon is mostly ruins. The old buildings have crumbled. The land where the town once stood is quiet. The most visible reminder of Carbon's past is the Carbon Cemetery. It is a historic site.
The Carbon Cemetery
The Carbon Cemetery is where many of the town's former residents are buried. It is a quiet place. It tells the story of the people who lived and worked in Carbon. Visiting the cemetery helps us remember the town's history. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is an important historical site.
Learning from Ghost Towns
Ghost towns like Carbon teach us about history. They show how towns can rise and fall. They remind us of the people who lived there. These towns are like outdoor museums. They help us understand how communities change over time.
