Craig (ghost town), Butte County, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Craig
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Former settlement
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 Craig
Location in California
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Butte County |
| Elevation | 981 ft (299 m) |
Craig was once a small place where people lived in Butte County, California. It's known as a "former settlement" because it's no longer an active town or community today. Craig was located about 3 miles (5 kilometers) east-southeast of Bidwell's Bar, which was another historic spot. It was also near the Feather River Railway, a railroad line important for transportation back then. Craig sat at an elevation of about 981 feet (299 meters) above sea level. Even though it's not a town anymore, Craig could still be found on maps as late as 1947.
What Was Craig?
Craig was a "former settlement," which means it was once a place where people lived and worked, but it is no longer a populated area. Think of it like a tiny, old town that has been abandoned. Many small settlements like Craig popped up in California during the 1800s and early 1900s. They often grew around industries like mining, logging, or railroads.
Where Was Craig Located?
Craig was situated in Butte County, a county in the northern part of California. Its exact location was east-southeast of a place called Bidwell's Bar. This area is known for its natural beauty, including the Feather River. The settlement was also close to the Feather River Railway, which suggests that the railroad might have played a role in its existence. Being near a railway was very important for small communities, as it helped transport goods and people.
How High Was Craig?
Craig was located at an elevation of 981 feet (299 meters) above sea level. This means it was almost 1,000 feet higher than the ocean. Knowing the elevation helps us understand the kind of landscape Craig was in. Places at higher elevations often have different weather and plant life compared to areas closer to sea level.
Why Do Settlements Disappear?
Many small settlements like Craig become "former settlements" or even ghost towns for different reasons.
- Resources Run Out: If a town was built around a mine, for example, once the gold or other minerals were gone, people would move away to find work elsewhere.
- Changes in Transportation: When new roads or railways were built, or old ones were no longer used, towns that depended on them could decline. The Feather River Railway was important for Craig, so changes to that railway might have affected the settlement.
- Economic Shifts: Sometimes, industries change, or a bigger town nearby offers more opportunities, causing people to leave smaller communities.
- Natural Disasters: Floods, fires, or other natural events could also force people to abandon a settlement.
Craig's appearance on maps until 1947 suggests it might have slowly faded away over time rather than disappearing suddenly.
