Craige, Washington facts for kids

Craige was once a small community located in Asotin County, Washington. Today, it is known as a "populated place" by the GNIS. This means it was a place where people once lived, even if it's not a busy town anymore.

What Was Craige?

Craige was a small town that existed in Asotin County, Washington. It was officially recognized as a "populated place" by the GNIS. This means it was a place where people once lived, even if it's not a busy town anymore.

Craige's Post Office

One important sign that Craige was a real community was its own post office. The Craige post office opened in 1898. It served the people living in and around the town for many years. A post office is a vital part of any community. It helps people send and receive letters and packages. This connection was especially important in the past. The post office closed its doors in 1941. This often happens when a town's population gets smaller.

How Craige Got Its Name

The community of Craige was named after a person. It was named after C. Thomas Craige. Naming towns after important people or early settlers was a common practice. It helped to honor those who contributed to the area.

What Is a Ghost Town?

Craige is now considered a "ghost town." A ghost town is a place that once had many people living there. Over time, most or all of the people left. This leaves behind empty buildings and a quiet landscape. These towns are not haunted by ghosts. The name just means they are no longer full of life.

Why Do Towns Become Ghost Towns?

Towns can become ghost towns for many reasons. Often, it's because the main reason people lived there disappears. For example, if a town grew around a mine, and the mine closed, people would move away to find new jobs.

Other reasons include:

• Changes in transportation: New roads or railways might bypass a town.
• Natural disasters: Floods, fires, or droughts can force people to leave.
• Economic changes: Industries might move, or jobs might disappear.
• Lack of resources: Water or fertile land might become scarce.

When people leave, services like post offices and stores close. Eventually, the town becomes empty.

Craige in Washington State

Craige was located in Asotin County, Washington. Washington state has many ghost towns. These towns tell stories about the state's history. They show how people lived and worked in different eras. Studying ghost towns helps us understand how communities grow and change. It also shows us why some communities disappear over time.