Alaska, the last frontier, is known for its sweeping wilderness, stunning natural beauty, and resilient communities. Yet scattered across the state are cities that once thrived with miners, fishermen, and families — now eerily empty.
These ghost towns and near-deserted communities beg the question: what happened to the people who once called them home? From economic collapse to environmental challenges, Alaska’s empty cities tell stories of ambition, struggle, and the harsh reality of survival in one of America’s most unforgiving landscapes.
The Rise and Fall of Boomtowns
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Alaska saw a massive influx of settlers, driven by gold, oil, and opportunity. Towns like Kennicott, Portlock, and Ukivok boomed almost overnight. Kennicott, for example, was a bustling mining town with modern amenities, schools, and a hospital — all built around the discovery of rich copper deposits.
But boomtowns come with a catch. When the mines dried up, or the cost of extraction outweighed the value, companies pulled out, and residents had little reason to stay. Kennicott was deserted by 1938. Today, its silent buildings are preserved as part of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, a haunting testament to a once-thriving industry.
Environmental Forces and Harsh Climates
Alaska’s extreme weather has played a major role in the abandonment of its cities. Take Ukivok, for instance. Located on King Island in the Bering Sea, this city was once home to a community of Inupiat people. The island’s rocky terrain and remote location made it difficult to access for modern transportation or consistent supply chains. Harsh winters and lack of economic opportunity forced residents to relocate in the 1950s, leaving their stilted homes hanging over cliffs, still intact decades later.
Climate change has only intensified the exodus. Melting permafrost, rising sea levels, and increased storm activity have made coastal and riverbank communities more vulnerable than ever. Newtok, a village on Alaska’s western coast, is in the process of relocating entirely due to erosion. Though not yet a ghost town, it stands as a cautionary tale for other vulnerable communities.
Economic Collapse and Vanishing Industries
When resource-based economies falter, cities that rely solely on them often suffer irreversible decline. Portlock, once a salmon canning hub in the early 20th century, faced not just dwindling industry but an eerie twist: unexplained deaths and disappearances plagued the town. Whether caused by natural wildlife or, as some residents claimed, supernatural forces, the fear led to a full evacuation by the 1950s.
Similarly, Whittier was once a military outpost during World War II. Though still inhabited today by fewer than 300 residents — most of whom live in a single building — the city has shrunk dramatically since its heyday. As military and shipping activities decreased, so did its population, transforming it into a near-ghost city despite its picturesque coastal views.
Forced Relocation and Cultural Loss
For Alaska Native communities, the abandonment of towns often wasn’t a choice. Government policies, missionary pressure, and forced schooling led to displacement. Indigenous residents were relocated to access healthcare, education, or employment — often in cities hundreds of miles from their ancestral homes.
Aniakchak, a village once located near the caldera of an active volcano, saw repeated destruction from eruptions and earthquakes. Despite rebuilding efforts, repeated natural disasters pushed residents to relocate permanently. For many, the move meant not only leaving their homes but also severing ties with traditions and land-based practices that had existed for centuries.
Preserving the Past and Looking to the Future
Though many of these cities are now silent, they are not forgotten. Preservation efforts by the National Park Service and historical societies are helping keep their stories alive. Visitors can hike through Kennicott’s old mining buildings or view Ukivok’s surreal cliffside houses from afar, gaining a glimpse into lives shaped by Alaska’s raw power.
Meanwhile, discussions are underway about how to better support remote communities. Infrastructure investments, climate adaptation plans, and economic diversification could help prevent the next generation of ghost towns.
Some formerly abandoned areas are even seeing new interest. With a growing focus on ecotourism and heritage preservation, towns like McCarthy — near Kennicott — are experiencing rebirths of sorts, attracting adventurers, historians, and nature lovers alike.
Conclusion
The empty cities of Alaska are more than relics of the past — they are powerful reminders of how environment, economy, and history intersect. For every building left to rot and every path overgrown, there are human stories of ambition, hardship, resilience, and migration. Whether emptied by natural forces, economic shifts, or forced policies, these cities speak volumes about the challenges of life in Alaska — and the strength of those who once dared to settle there.
As Alaska continues to evolve in the face of climate change and modernization, the fate of its smallest and most remote communities remains uncertain. But if history tells us anything, it’s that their legacy will endure — carved into mountains, whispered through forests, and preserved in the silence of empty streets.