As the name implies, a company town is built around a business, typically a plant or factory, for its employees and their families. The company often owns much or all of the real estate, including residential and commercial buildings, grocery stores, and libraries. Company towns emerged in the late 19th century. Though there were more than 2,500 at their height, most of the towns collapsed economically when their companies cut back or went out of business. What were some famous US company towns? Discuss