Taunton, Washington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Taunton, Washington
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 Taunton, Washington
Location in Washington (state)
Taunton, Washington
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| County | Adams |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
Taunton was once a small community located in Adams County, Washington. Today, it is known as a ghost town, which means it's a place where people used to live and work, but now it's mostly empty or abandoned.
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What is a Ghost Town?
A ghost town is a place that was once a busy community but is now mostly deserted. Many ghost towns, especially in the western United States, grew very quickly. They often started because of new industries, like mining for valuable minerals or the building of railroads.
Why Towns Become Ghosts
When the main reason for a town's existence disappeared, people would often move away. For example, if a mine closed or a railroad line changed, jobs would vanish. This left behind empty buildings and a quiet landscape. Taunton is one of these interesting places that became a ghost town.
Taunton's Short History
Taunton had a very short life as an active community. It became an official place when a post office opened there in 1908. A post office is usually a good sign that a town has enough people to need mail services.
The Post Office Closes
However, the post office in Taunton only stayed open for a few years. It closed its doors in 1913. This short period of operation shows that the community of Taunton did not last very long. People likely moved on to other places where there were more opportunities.
How Taunton Got Its Name
The community of Taunton was named by officials from the railroad. They decided to name it after Taunton, Massachusetts. This is a city located far away in the eastern United States. It was common for railroad companies to name new towns along their lines after places they knew or admired.
Where Was Taunton Located?
Taunton was situated in Adams County, Washington. This county is in the eastern part of Washington state. It is known for its wide-open spaces and agricultural areas. Many small towns and communities, like Taunton, were established in this region as the state developed.
