shingletowns

Shingletowns refers to a collection of settlements, often informal or temporary, that arose in areas experiencing rapid resource extraction, particularly during mining booms. These towns are characterized by their transient populations and the construction of dwellings primarily from corrugated iron sheeting, hence the name.

The development of shingletowns is typically linked to periods of economic opportunity, such as the discovery of gold, silver, or other valuable minerals. As prospectors and laborers flocked to these resource-rich areas, the demand for housing and services outstripped existing infrastructure. In response, individuals and groups would quickly erect structures using readily available and inexpensive materials, with corrugated iron being a common choice due to its durability and ease of assembly.

These settlements often lacked formal planning, governance, and basic amenities like sanitation and reliable water supply. Life in a shingletown could be precarious, with populations fluctuating based on the success of the extraction activities. While some shingletowns eventually evolved into more permanent communities with established infrastructure, many were abandoned once the resources were depleted or economic conditions changed. The historical presence of shingletowns can provide insights into the social and economic dynamics of frontier development and boom-and-bust cycles.