Carletonville, Michigan facts for kids

Carletonville was once a small settlement, or "ghost town," located in Chippewa County, Michigan. It was started in 1853 by a man named Guy H. Carleton. The town was built around a sawmill, which was important for cutting wood. However, Carletonville never really grew and did not last for very long.

What Is a Ghost Town?

A ghost town is a place where people used to live and work, but now it's mostly empty. This happens when the main reason people settled there, like a mine or a sawmill, closes down. When the jobs disappear, people move away to find work elsewhere. Over time, the buildings might fall apart, leaving behind a quiet, empty place.

How Did Carletonville Start?

Carletonville began in 1853 because of a sawmill. Sawmills were very important in the 1800s, especially in places with lots of trees like Michigan. They would cut down trees and turn them into lumber, which was used to build houses, furniture, and many other things. Guy H. Carleton likely saw a good opportunity to start a business there. However, for reasons that aren't fully known, the settlement didn't become a lasting town. It was probably abandoned when the sawmill stopped operating or when its resources ran out.