Ghost Town

Definition

A town or settlement that has been abandoned or nearly abandoned, typically due to economic decline, natural disaster, or the depletion of natural resources that sustained it. Ghost towns often become tourist attractions or are studied by historians.

Example Usage

The mining town became a ghost town after the ore ran dry and residents moved away.

Origin

American English term combining 'ghost' (absence of life) with 'town', popularized in the 19th century during the Wild West era.

Fun Fact

Bodie, California, a famous California gold rush ghost town, has been a state historic park since 1962 and attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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