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Fletcher, California facts for kids

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Fletcher
Former settlement
Fletcher is located in California
Fletcher
Fletcher
Location in California
Country United States
State California
County Modoc County
Elevation
4,337 ft (1,322 m)

Fletcher was a small community that no longer exists in Modoc County, California. It was located about 11 miles (18 km) west-southwest of Alturas. Fletcher was situated at an elevation of 4,337 feet (1,322 meters) above sea level.

What is a Former Settlement?

A former settlement is a place where people once lived and built homes or businesses, but where no one lives anymore. These places are sometimes called "ghost towns" if they are completely abandoned. Fletcher is an example of such a place.

Why Settlements Disappear

Many small settlements like Fletcher grew up around specific industries or transportation routes. For example, some towns started because of mining, logging, or a railroad. If the industry ended or the transportation route changed, people would often move away to find new jobs.

The Role of Railroads

Fletcher was located along the Southern Pacific Railroad. In the past, railroads were very important for travel and moving goods across the country. Towns often grew along railroad lines because they provided a way for people and products to get in and out.

However, if a railroad line was moved or became less important, the towns along it might shrink or disappear. This could be one reason why Fletcher is no longer an active community today.

Modoc County's Landscape

Modoc County, where Fletcher was located, is in the northeastern part of California. It is known for its beautiful natural areas, including forests, mountains, and lakes. The county is quite rural, meaning it has a lot of open land and fewer large cities.

The elevation of Fletcher, at over 4,300 feet, means it was in a higher, possibly mountainous or hilly area. This kind of landscape often has different weather patterns and natural resources compared to lower-lying regions.

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