Dad, Wyoming facts for kids
Dad is what we call an extinct town in Carbon County, Wyoming, United States. An extinct town, or ghost town, is a place where people used to live and work, but now very few or no people live there anymore. It's like a town that has been left behind by time.
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What is a Ghost Town?
A ghost town is a place that was once a busy community. People lived there, worked, and built homes and businesses. But for different reasons, everyone eventually moved away. This leaves behind empty buildings and a quiet landscape.
Why Towns Become Ghost Towns
Towns can become ghost towns for many reasons. Sometimes, the main reason people were there, like a mine or a specific job, disappears. If the jobs go away, people have to move to find new work. Other times, changes in transportation, like new roads or railroads, can make a town less important. Natural disasters or changes in the environment can also cause people to leave.
The Story of Dad's Name
The name "Dad" for this town is a bit of a mystery! No one is completely sure how it got its unique name. However, many people believe it was named after a rancher who lived in the area. His name was A.T. Dad Corlett. It's possible the community decided to honor him by naming their new town "Dad."
Dad's Post Office
Even though Dad is now a ghost town, it once had a working post office. This post office opened in 1910. It was an important place for the community. People could send and receive letters and packages there. The post office stayed open for many years. It finally closed its doors in 1940. After the post office closed, it likely meant fewer people were living in Dad.