Small towns are far from dead.

The advantages in studying small towns are many - not least is the more decipherable structure when compared to the metropolis. Urban theory is more easily applied, and understood, and, in addition small towns may suggest alternative factors or help to modify accepted ideas closer to reality. In many instances the appearance of the entrepreneur was critical in the founding and growth of small towns. Without that initial, and often chance, decision many sites cannot be explained. Middle West towns suggest a critical population threshold of 500 people before self-generating urbanism is created. -K.A.Cowlard