A town that experiences sudden rapid growth, usually because of the discovery of valuable resources like oil, gold, or minerals.
Compound of 'boom' (rapid expansion) and 'town,' originating in American English during the 19th century gold rushes and oil booms.
Boomtowns often become ghost towns just as quickly when the resource runs out, leaving behind abandoned buildings and forgotten stories—Nevada's Virginia City is a perfect example of this cycle.
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