Coldwater, Wood County, Texas facts for kids

For other places named Coldwater in Texas, see Coldwater, Texas.

Coldwater is a fascinating ghost town located in Wood County, Texas, in the United States. It was first settled in 1880. Today, you can still find a church and a cemetery there, which are reminders of its past.

What is a Ghost Town?

A ghost town is a place that used to be a busy community but is now mostly empty. These towns often have very few people living in them, or sometimes none at all. They get their name because they feel like a "ghost" of their former selves.

Why Do Towns Become Ghost Towns?

Towns can become ghost towns for many reasons. Often, it's because the main reason people moved there disappears. For example:

• Mines closing: Many towns grew around mines. When the mine ran out of valuable minerals, people left to find work elsewhere.
• New roads and railways: Sometimes, new transportation routes bypassed towns. This made it harder for businesses to get supplies or customers.
• Natural disasters: Floods, droughts, or fires can force people to leave their homes.
• Economic changes: If a town's main industry fails, or if jobs move away, people will follow.

The Story of Coldwater

Coldwater was founded in 1880, a time when many new settlements were appearing in Texas. People likely moved to Coldwater for farming or other local opportunities. Like many small towns, it probably had a general store, a post office, and homes.

What Remains in Coldwater Today?

Even though Coldwater is now a ghost town, some parts of its history are still visible. The old church stands as a quiet reminder of the community that once gathered there. The cemetery is also a key part of the town's past. It holds the graves of the people who lived and worked in Coldwater. These remaining structures help us imagine what life was like in this Texas settlement over a hundred years ago.