Ghost towns were thriving settlements that once had life. There are a variety of reasons for why they were abandoned. Featuring mostly knocked down buildings, cracked pavements and lots of other debris covered up by nature, these towns give off a spooky and haunted feel. Ghost towns are usually located in rural areas far from larger settlements.
Ghost towns are not just abandoned for no reason. In fact, there are multiple reasons why these towns got wiped out. Some reasons might include corruption, crime, lack and overuse of resources, sudden spread of diseases and illnesses, bad weather, etc. Under these circumstances, it is very hard for a town to thrive. Some of the well-known ghost towns in Australia are discussed in this article.
Walhalla
Walhalla, located in Victoria was once one of the richest gold-mining settlements in Australia. Along the three-kilometer-long wilderness of Cohen’s Reef was a stretch of gold that attracted many gold-seekers. It was a settlement that was home to over 4000 residents and it was founded in the 1860s. Unfortunately, by 1910, gold mining had become largely unprofitable in this area and the last of the major mines closed down in 1914. Consequently, a large number of residents left the town almost immediately. As of today, this town buzzes with tourist activity throughout the day but only 20 residents live in this town. This town in Australia is a classic example of the creation of a ghost town due to the depleting resources.
Cook
Cook, located in South Australia was established in 1917 on the Trans-Australian railway and was a major town for track maintenance and repairs related to trains. Named after the 6th Australian Prime Minister Joseph Cook, the settlement was used as a pit stop for the Indian-Pacific railway. The town relied solely on provision trains for its daily resources including water. It got abandoned when the Australian National Railways’ assets got sold off to a railway operating companywhich did not need the supply from the town. So, the town was closed in 1997.
Farina
Farina, Located in South Australia was once a thriving town in the 1800s having a population of 600. Located at the edge of a desert, this town was an important waterhole in a dry desert. Construction of a railway line in 1882 added to the ease of approach and supplies. Many people like the Dieri, Arabana and other Aboriginal peoples along with the Chinese, Germans and other Europeans lived in Farina. Nearby copper and silver mines attracted more people here. At its peak, this town had an underground bakery, a bank, 2 breweries, and even a church. After a few years of good rain, its normal climate returned with dust storms and droughts which led to the abandonment of this town in 1930. Former residents have worked on Afghan camels to restore this town.
Wittenoom
Wittenoom, located in Western Australia was a town that was once Australia’s source of asbestos which is a type of substance used for making construction materials and parts for vehicles. If this substance is inhaled it can cause serious illness and health hazards. Mining for blue asbestos started in 1939 in this town. Eventually, Wittenoom ended up getting badly contaminated by asbestos particles killing over 2000 people. This town was shut down in 1966 due to rising health concerns. Since then it has been deemed as a dangerous area for visitations.
Conclusion
Ghost towns are former settlements that used to have life and were usually at their peak in the mid-late 1800s and the early-mid 1900s. Usually, they were home to about 500-2000 residents, totaling up to a maximum of 4000 at times. Ghost towns mostly flourished due to the abundance of resources such as gold, silver etc. Primarily left to rot by themselves or still home to about only 2-10 residents, ghost towns stand throughout the world in a state of arrested decay telling the tales of a glorious past that is no more.
Writer : Akshar
Grade : 10 (Year 2024)
Place : Sydney, Australia
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