The town's boom and bust period occurred on either side of the Civil War. Although the war devastated the town, it recovered until a fire broke out in 1876, followed by one of the worst snowstorms ...

Residents watched as the hotel was turned to ash. A shift in the wind saved much of the town but the boom was over. Jacob Taylor took the insurance money and returned to Texas – his dream dashed.

What is it that allows some cities to escape the "boom and bust" town narrative to become livable, workable, and sustainable? And can these models be replicated in other small, struggling towns?