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Boomtowns

Definition

Boomtowns are communities that experience sudden and rapid population and economic growth. They often arise due to discovery of a precious resource such as gold or oil.

Analogy

Imagine if your school suddenly became famous because a celebrity decided to enroll there. Your school would quickly become overcrowded with new students wanting to join - that's similar to how boomtowns grew rapidly when resources were discovered nearby.

Related terms

Ghost Towns: These are abandoned towns or cities, often resulting after resources in boomtowns have been depleted and people move away seeking new opportunities elsewhere.

Resource Extraction: This is the process by which raw materials are obtained from Earth. It's related because extraction often leads to creation of boomtowns when valuable resources are found.

Economic Expansion: This refers to an increase in the level of economic activity, and often coincides with periods where boomtowns emerge due their rapid growth.