Fornis (former settlement), California facts for kids

For the unincorporated community of this name, see Fornis, California.

Quick facts for kids Fornis
Former settlement
Fornis Location in California
Country	United States
State	California
County	El Dorado County

Fornis was once a small community located in El Dorado County, California. It was about 13 miles (21 km) east of a town called Georgetown. Today, Fornis is considered a "former settlement," which means it's no longer an active or recognized community.

What is a Former Settlement?

A former settlement is a place where people once lived and built homes, stores, or other buildings, but for some reason, the community no longer exists. You might hear these places called "ghost towns" if all the people have left and the buildings are empty.

Why Do Settlements Become Former?

There are many reasons why a community might become a former settlement. Sometimes, the main reason people moved there disappears. For example:

• Running out of resources: Many towns in California, especially in El Dorado County, grew during the California Gold Rush. When the gold ran out, miners moved away, and the towns slowly became empty.
• Changes in transportation: If a new road or railway bypasses a town, people might move to places that are easier to reach.
• Natural disasters: Floods, fires, or other disasters can force people to leave their homes.
• Economic changes: If a major factory or business closes, people might leave to find work elsewhere.

Fornis and El Dorado County

El Dorado County, where Fornis was located, has a rich history tied to the Gold Rush of the mid-1800s. Many small settlements like Fornis popped up quickly when gold was discovered nearby. These places were often busy and full of life for a short time. However, once the gold became harder to find, or the mines closed, people would pack up and move on, leaving behind what became former settlements. Fornis is one example of these many small communities that once thrived in the area.