Gilmer, Washington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gilmer, Washington
|
|
---|---|
Country | United States |
State | Washington |
County | Klickitat |
Established | 1883 |
Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
Gilmer was once a small community in Klickitat County, Washington. Today, it is known as a ghost town. This means it was once a busy place, but now almost no one lives there.
The settlement was named after George W. Gilmer. He was an early settler in the area. Mr. Gilmer also served as the postmaster for the community.
What Was Gilmer Like?
Gilmer was an important place for raising animals. It had a large ranch where people raised horses and cattle. This ranch was a key stop for moving goods. Supplies were shipped from the Columbia River to towns and mines. These places were in the central part of Klickitat County.
Community Life
Besides the ranch, Gilmer had a few other important services. For a time in the late 1800s, it had its own post office. There was also a school for the children living there.
The Gilmer ranch often welcomed travelers. People passing through the area would stay there. Settlers on their way to new homes also found a place to rest.
The Post Office
A post office was officially opened in Gilmer in 1883. This office helped connect the community to the rest of the world. It allowed people to send and receive letters and packages. The Gilmer post office stayed open for many years. It finally closed its doors in 1919. The closing of the post office often marks the end of a community. This is why Gilmer became a ghost town.