Final answer:
Boomtowns are towns that expanded quickly due to nearby mineral discoveries, resulting in substantial physical and economic growth. However, the decline often came as fast after the mineral ore was exhausted.
Step-by-step explanation:
Boomtowns were towns that grew rapidly after minerals were found nearby. This phenomenon usually occurred during periods of significant mineral discoveries, such as gold or silver rushes. The promise of wealth attracted a fast influx of people and created a spur of economic and physical growth in these areas. However, once the mineral was exhausted or the boom ended, many of these towns were abandoned and became 'ghost towns'.
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