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Kumler, Illinois facts for kids

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Kumler, Illinois
Kumler, Illinois is located in Illinois
Kumler, Illinois
Kumler, Illinois
Location in Illinois
Kumler, Illinois is located in the United States
Kumler, Illinois
Kumler, Illinois
Location in the United States
Country United States
State Illinois
County McLean
Elevation
735 ft (224 m)
Population
 (2000)
 • Total 0
Time zone UTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)

Kumler is a fascinating place in Illinois, United States, that is now known as a ghost town. It is located in West Township, which is part of McLean County. A ghost town is a place where people used to live and work, but now it's empty.

What is a Ghost Town?

A ghost town is a town or city that has been mostly or completely abandoned. This means that almost no one lives there anymore. Sometimes, buildings and streets are still standing, but they are empty and quiet. It can feel a bit spooky, like the town's "ghost" is still there.

Why Do Towns Become Ghost Towns?

Towns become ghost towns for many reasons. Often, it's because the main reason people lived there disappeared. For example, if a town grew up around a mine, and the mine ran out of ore, people would move away to find new jobs.

Other reasons include:

  • Changes in transportation: New roads or railways might bypass a town, making it harder for businesses to thrive.
  • Natural disasters: Floods, droughts, or fires can force people to leave their homes.
  • Economic changes: If a town's main industry closes, or if a larger city nearby offers more opportunities, people might leave.
  • Lack of resources: Sometimes, a town might run out of water or other important resources.

Where is Kumler Located?

Kumler is found in the state of Illinois, which is in the central part of the United States. More specifically, it's in McLean County. This county is known for its farming and flat landscapes. Kumler is located at coordinates 40°17′59″N 88°34′41″W. It sits at an elevation of about 735 feet (224 meters) above sea level.

What Happened to Kumler?

Like many ghost towns, Kumler's story is one of decline. While the exact reasons for its abandonment are not detailed, it likely faced challenges common to small rural communities. As of the year 2000, Kumler had a population of zero. This means that no one officially lived there anymore. Today, it stands as a quiet reminder of the past, a place where a community once thrived but now only memories remain.

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