Tillman, California facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tillman
Former settlement
Tillman Location in California
Country	United States
State	California
County	Madera County
Elevation	187 ft (57 m)

Tillman was once a small community located in Madera County, California. It is now considered a "former settlement," which means it was a place where people lived and worked, but it no longer exists as an active town or village today.

Where Was Tillman Located?

Tillman was situated about 6.25 miles (10.06 kilometers) south-southwest of a larger town called Chowchilla. It was built along the Chowchilla Pacific Railroad, which was an important transportation route at the time. The land where Tillman once stood is about 187 feet (57 meters) above sea level.

Why Did Tillman Disappear?

Many small settlements like Tillman were created for specific reasons, often tied to industries like farming, mining, or railroads. When these reasons changed, the towns sometimes faded away. Tillman was still shown on maps as late as 1918. This suggests that by the early 20th century, the community likely began to decline.

Common Reasons for Settlements to Vanish

• Changes in transportation: If a railroad line moved or a new highway was built elsewhere, people might move closer to the new routes.
• Resource depletion: If the main reason for the town, like a mine or a specific type of farming, ran out of resources, people would leave to find work elsewhere.
• Growth of larger towns: People often moved to bigger towns like Chowchilla for more opportunities, services, and schools.
• Economic shifts: Changes in the economy could make it harder for small, isolated communities to thrive.

Tillman's story is a reminder of how communities can change over time, especially in areas that developed rapidly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.