Charbonneau, North Dakota facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charbonneau
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Charbonneau, 2008
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 Charbonneau
Location in North Dakota
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| Country | United States |
| State | North Dakota |
| County | McKenzie |
| Elevation | 2,047 ft (624 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 701 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1034773 |
Charbonneau is a fascinating place in northwestern McKenzie County, North Dakota, United States. It's known as a "ghost town." A ghost town is a place where most or all people have left. Buildings and streets might still be there, but no one lives there anymore. Charbonneau became a ghost town when its post office closed in the 1960s.
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What is a Ghost Town?
A ghost town is a town that has been abandoned. This means people moved away, and the town became empty. Many things can cause a town to become a ghost town. Sometimes, a mine closes, or a railroad moves. Other times, a natural disaster happens. For Charbonneau, the closing of its post office was a big reason.
Why Towns Become Empty
Towns often grow around a main industry or service. When that service or industry goes away, people might leave to find work elsewhere.
- Mining towns: When all the valuable minerals are dug up, miners leave.
- Railroad towns: If a new, faster route is built, the old one might be abandoned.
- Farming communities: Changes in farming or droughts can make people move.
- Loss of key services: A post office, school, or general store is very important. If these close, it makes life harder for residents.
Charbonneau's Story
Charbonneau was once a small community in North Dakota. It was located in McKenzie County, a large county in the western part of the state. The town was about halfway between two other towns, Alexander and Cartwright.
The Post Office Closure
The post office is a vital part of any community. It handles mail, which connects people to the outside world. It also serves as a meeting point. When Charbonneau's post office closed in the 1960s, it was a sign that the town was shrinking. Without this important service, more people decided to move away. This led to Charbonneau becoming the ghost town it is today.
Location and Geography
Charbonneau is in a rural area of North Dakota. North Dakota is known for its wide-open spaces and agricultural lands. McKenzie County is in the western part of the state, close to the border with Montana. The elevation of Charbonneau is about 2,047 feet (624 meters) above sea level. This means it's quite high up!
McKenzie County
McKenzie County is one of the largest counties in North Dakota by area. It's known for its beautiful landscapes, including parts of the Little Missouri National Grassland. The county also has a history tied to farming and, more recently, oil production.
