Final answer:
Dawson turned into a ghost town after the ore resources were exhausted and mining operations ceased, leading to the departure of its residents in search of new opportunities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dawson became a ghost town due to the depletion of resources that were the town's economic backbone. Originally thriving on mining operations, like many other towns in the American West, Dawson saw an influx of residents seeking fortune through mining. However, when the valuable ore resources – such as gold, silver, or coal – dried up, there was no longer a reason for people to stay. The town's infrastructure, built around the mining industry, no longer had a purpose, leading to the residents moving away in search of new opportunities. This pattern was common in the era, with towns being abandoned as quickly as they were established, based on the success or failure of the local industries, especially mining.
Mining towns often featured storefronts, saloons, and other businesses that catered to miners and their prosperity. As these towns were abandoned, these structures remained, standing as relics to the bustling activity they once supported. The lasting impact of these early mining efforts was significant in terms of the cultural and legal development of the region, spurring on the U.S. government to impose law and order in the 'Wild West'. This helped promote more stable growth and paved the way for states such as Nevada and Colorado to join the Union.