• CarbonatedPastaSauce@lemmy.world
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    5 hours ago

    My slightly educated guess would be that’s a consequence of America’s race westward in the 1800’s, only stopping long enough to annihilate the indigenous population and set up a rest stop for the next batch.

    • Podunk@lemmy.world
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      2 hours ago

      Railroads played big role. Trains needed more water or coal to run the engine. So every 15 to 20 miles or so, depending on terrain, a water depot was erected, and there a new town popped up. Some survived. Some didnt. Few are thriving. Just pull up a map and follow a rail line in the great plains region of the usa. Then just measure it out. Its impossible to miss once you notice it.

    • AA5B@lemmy.world
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      3 hours ago

      It’s more modern than that. I don’t have time to look for stats, but I believe there’s been general migration to cities for like half a century or more

      • CarbonatedPastaSauce@lemmy.world
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        2 hours ago

        Of course, but I’m talking about why all these little towns existed in the first place. It’s not like they were all bustling metropolises before everyone left. ;)