Sanderson, Washington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sanderson, Washington
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 Sanderson, Washington
Location in Washington (state)
Sanderson, Washington
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| County | Douglas |
| Established | 1908 |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
Sanderson is a place in Douglas County, Washington, that used to be a town but is now empty. It is known as an "extinct town" or a ghost town.
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What is a Ghost Town?
A ghost town is a place where people once lived and worked, but now it's mostly empty. Imagine a town with no one living there anymore! These towns often have old buildings and roads, but no busy streets or shops. They are like a snapshot of the past.
Why Do Towns Become Ghost Towns?
Towns can become ghost towns for many reasons. Sometimes, the main reason people lived there, like a mine or a factory, closes down. Other times, people move away to find better jobs or new opportunities. Changes in how people travel, like new roads or railways, can also make old towns less important.
The Story of Sanderson
Sanderson was once a small community in Douglas County, Washington. It was officially started in 1908. For a while, it was a place where people lived and received their mail.
How Sanderson Got Its Name
The town of Sanderson got its name from a man named Thomas Sanderson. He was an early postmaster in the area. A postmaster is the person in charge of a post office. So, the community was named after him.
When Sanderson's Post Office Closed
A post office was very important for small towns in the past. It was how people sent and received letters and packages. The post office in Sanderson opened in 1908. However, it only stayed open for about 12 years, closing in 1920. When a town's post office closes, it often means fewer people are living there. This can be a sign that a town is becoming a ghost town.
