Leliter, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Leliter
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 Leliter
Location in California
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Kern County |
| Elevation | 2,303 ft (702 m) |
Leliter (also known as Muerto) is a place in Kern County, California, that used to be a town. Today, it's considered a ghost town. It was located about 4.5 miles (7.2 km) north-northwest of Inyokern. Leliter sits at an elevation of 2,303 feet (702 meters) above sea level. Even in 1943, you could still find Leliter marked on maps.
What is a Ghost Town?
A ghost town is a place where people used to live and work, but now it's mostly empty. Imagine a town that once had homes, shops, and maybe even a post office, but everyone has moved away. That's a ghost town!
Why Do Towns Become Ghost Towns?
Towns can become ghost towns for many reasons. Often, it's because the main reason people settled there is gone.
- Resources run out: If a town grew because of a mine, and the gold or silver runs out, people might leave.
- New transportation: Sometimes, a new road or railroad bypasses a town. This means fewer visitors and less business.
- Economic changes: Industries might move, or jobs might disappear.
- Natural disasters: Floods, fires, or droughts can also force people to leave.
Leliter's Story
Leliter was connected to the Southern Pacific Railroad. Railroads were very important for travel and moving goods in the past. Towns often grew up along these railway lines.
The Post Office
A post office is a good sign that a town is active and has people living there. Leliter had its own post office. It was open from 1910 to 1927. When a post office closes, it often means that fewer people are living in the area. This can be a step towards a town becoming a ghost town. After 1927, people likely started moving away from Leliter, perhaps for better opportunities elsewhere.
