Manson, Wisconsin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Manson, Wisconsin
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Ghost town
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 Manson, Wisconsin
Location in Wisconsin
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| Country | United States |
| State | Wisconsin |
| County | Oneida |
| Elevation | 1,519 ft (463 m) |
| GNIS feature ID | 1964305 |
Manson is what people call a ghost town in Oneida County, Wisconsin, United States. A ghost town is a place where most or all people have left, leaving behind empty buildings or just traces of a former community. Manson was once located near Manson Lake in the area known as Woodboro. It was close to what is now US 8 and the Canadian National Railway. This spot was about 3 miles (5 km) northeast of Heafford Junction. Maps from as late as 1939 still showed Manson.
Contents
What is a Ghost Town?
A ghost town is a place that was once a busy community but is now mostly empty. People leave these towns for many reasons. Sometimes, the main reason people lived there, like a mine or a factory, closes down.
Why Towns Become Empty
Imagine a town built around a gold mine. When all the gold is gone, there's no longer a reason for people to stay. They pack up and move to find work elsewhere. This leaves the town deserted.
Other Reasons for Leaving
Towns can also become ghost towns if a new road is built that bypasses them. Or maybe a natural disaster, like a flood, makes it hard to live there. Sometimes, people just move to bigger cities for more opportunities.
Manson's Story
Manson was a small settlement in northern Wisconsin. It was located near a lake and a railway line. These features suggest it might have been a logging town or a stop for trains.
Life in Early Wisconsin Settlements
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, many small towns grew in Wisconsin. They often supported industries like logging, mining, or farming. People lived in simple homes and worked hard.
The Role of Railways and Lakes
Railways were like the highways of the past. They helped transport goods and people. Lakes provided water and sometimes ways to move logs. Being near both was very important for a town's growth.
Why Manson Became a Ghost Town
While we don't know the exact reason Manson became empty, we can guess. Perhaps the local timber was all cut down, and the logging jobs disappeared. Or maybe the railway changed its route.
The Disappearance of Small Towns
Many small towns like Manson slowly faded away. As industries changed or people looked for better lives, they moved on. This left behind the quiet remnants of what was once a lively place.
Traces Left Behind
Today, there might not be much left of Manson. Sometimes, only old foundations or overgrown roads remain. These silent places remind us of the people who once lived there.
