Chisana, located in the Copper River Census Area of Alaska, is a historic ghost town that played a significant role during Alaska’s last major gold rush in 1913. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Copper River Census Area
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 62°4′24″N, 142°3′36″W
Elevation: 3,369 ft (1,027 m)
Time Zone: Alaska Standard Time (AKST) (UTC-9)
Established: 1913
Disestablished: Not available
Comments: Chisana, also known as Shushanna, was established following a gold discovery in 1913, leading to a stampede of prospectors. The town quickly became known as “the largest log cabin town in the world.” However, the boom was short-lived, and the population dwindled as gold prospects declined.
Remains: The area retains extensive evidence of its early mining use, including deteriorating remains of two towns, numerous tent camps, various water diversion and delivery systems, and a well-developed transportation network.
Current Status: Chisana is considered a ghost town with no remaining active community. The site is part of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Chisana Historic Mining Landscape. Chisana (also Shushanna) (Tsetsaan’ Na’ in Ahtna) is a ghost town abandoned and a census-designated place (CDP) in the Valdez-Cordova Census Area in the U.S. state of Alaska.
Remarks: Chisana’s brief prosperity during the gold rush era and its subsequent decline reflect the transient nature of mining towns in early 20th-century Alaska. Today, it offers a unique glimpse into Alaska’s gold rush history for visitors to the national park.
