A ghost town is a deserted settlement that was once populated but has since been abandoned. These towns often arise due to economic decline, natural disasters, or the depletion of resources. Many ghost towns are remnants of mining booms, where people flocked to areas like the California Gold Rush in search of fortune, only to leave when the resources ran out. Today, ghost towns serve as historical sites, offering a glimpse into the past. They attract tourists and historians interested in the stories of the people who once lived there. Some well-known ghost towns include Bodie in California and Centralia in Pennsylvania.