Alaska has some of the most enigmatic and abandoned communities in the country, in addition to its stunning scenery and rich cultural legacy. These formerly bustling communities are now silent, providing a chilling window into the past. Why have they been abandoned, and what caused their decline? These are a few of the main causes of ghost towns in Alaska.
Whittier: A Population Declining in the “City Under One Roof”
Whittier, which is situated on the western coast of Prince William Sound, is notable for its unusual layout, with the majority of its population living in a single building. During World War II, the city was a thriving military station, but as the conflict came to a conclusion, its significance diminished.
Among the main causes of its population reduction are:
- Isolation: Whittier has limited connectivity due to its one road and one-lane tunnel.
- Economic Changes: The town had trouble locating a viable industry following the closure of the military post.
- Harsh Climate: Living circumstances are difficult due to long winters, strong winds, and a lot of snow.
Fewer than 300 people live in Whittier now, and many of them reside in Begich Towers, a 14-story building that houses residences, businesses, and government functions. Although it is still inhabited, its declining population begs the question of what will happen to it in the future.
Kennecott: A Busted Copper Mining Boom
Kennecott is a historic landmark and a ghost town that was once a bustling copper mining town in the early 20th century. It housed hundreds of miners and their families amid the isolated wilderness of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
The following factors contributed to the town’s decline:
- Depletion of Resources: The mines had run out of high-grade ore by the late 1930s.
- Economic Shifts: Residents left the town in quest of greater prospects as there was no other industry to keep it afloat.
- Remote Location: It was challenging to draw in new industries or residents because of its remote location.
As a national park now, Kennecott is home to tourists but no permanent inhabitants.
Dutch Harbour: From Economic Battleground to Strategic Centre
Dutch Harbour, which located in the Aleutian Islands, was an important military installation during World War II and thereafter a centre for the fishing sector. Notwithstanding its lengthy history, the town has experienced difficulties that have caused its population to decline:
- Economic Dependency: Overfishing and environmental changes have affected fishing, which is a major component of the local economy.
- Natural Disasters: Severe weather and regular earthquakes discourage permanent habitation.
- Isolation: It is challenging to maintain a diversified economy and draw in new residents due to its isolated position.
Although there are still people living in Dutch Harbour, the population has been gradually decreasing, leaving some areas of the town eerily silent.
Nome: The Town Left Behind by the Gold Rush
Due to its involvement in the 1898 Gold Rush, which attracted thousands of prospectors to its shores, Nome is well-known. It was one of Alaska’s biggest cities during its height. However, as the gold ran out, its luck changed:
- Depletion of Resources: An economic downturn resulted from the collapse of gold mining.
- Extreme Weather: People found it challenging to stay in Nome due to its Arctic location and harsh winters.
- Limited Opportunities: Many locals left since there were few industries other than fishing and tourism.
Abandoned structures stand as memories of Nome’s illustrious history, even if the city’s population is just a quarter of what it was during the Gold Rush.
Eklutna: A Time-Frozen Village
Once a prosperous Dena’ina Athabascan village with strong cultural and spiritual ties, Eklutna is close to Anchorage. But for a number of reasons, the village’s population declined:
- Urbanisation: As Anchorage expanded, many locals moved to the city in search of better prospects.
- Preservation Difficulties: In an attempt to preserve the hamlet as a cultural place, historical preservation—rather than habitation—became the main focus.
With ancient spirit houses and an old Russian Orthodox church drawing tourists, Eklutna is now more of a historical site than a thriving town.
Isolation, economic hardship, and unfavorable living circumstances are the common themes throughout Alaska’s deserted cities, while each may have its own distinct causes. These abandoned settlements serve as silent reminders of Alaska’s difficult history and the fortitude needed to endure in the Last Frontier.
