Escó facts for kids
Escó, also known as Esco in the local Aragonese language, is a small village in Spain. It's located in a region called Jacetania, which is part of the Zaragoza province in Aragon. This village is special because it's almost completely empty, right next to a big lake called the Yesa Reservoir.
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What is Escó?
Escó is a historic village nestled in the beautiful region of Aragon, Spain. For many years, people lived and worked here, often farming the land around the Aragon River. Like many small villages, it had its own unique history and community. However, life in Escó changed dramatically in the mid-20th century due to a large construction project.
Why Did Escó Become Deserted?
Escó, along with nearby villages like Sigüés, Ruesta, and Tiermas, became mostly empty around 1960. This happened because of the creation of the Yesa Dam. When the dam was built, it caused a large area of land to be flooded, creating the Yesa Reservoir. This flooding covered much of the farmland that people in Escó and the other villages relied on for their livelihoods.
The Yesa Dam Project
The Yesa Dam is a very large structure built across the Aragon River. Dams are like huge walls that hold back water, creating a reservoir or artificial lake. The main reasons for building the Yesa Dam were to:
- Control floods: Prevent the river from overflowing and damaging towns.
- Provide water for irrigation: Supply water to farms in drier areas so they could grow crops.
- Generate electricity: Use the force of the water to create power.
While the dam brought benefits to the wider region, it had a huge impact on the communities living near the river.
Life After the Dam
When the Yesa Dam was completed and the reservoir began to fill, many families had to leave their homes. The land they farmed, which was essential for their survival, was submerged under water. This meant that the villages, including Escó, could no longer support their populations. People moved away to find new homes and work, leading to Escó becoming an almost deserted village. Today, it stands as a quiet reminder of the changes brought by large-scale engineering projects.
Where is Escó Located?
Escó is situated in the northeastern part of Spain. It's in the province of Zaragoza, which is one of the three provinces that make up the autonomous community of Aragon. The village is part of the Jacetania region, known for its scenic landscapes and proximity to the Pyrenees mountains. Its location right next to the Yesa Reservoir makes it a notable landmark in the area.
See also
In Spanish: Escó para niños
