Curry, located in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough of Alaska, was once a thriving railroad town and resort destination in the early 20th century. Established as a midpoint between Seward and Fairbanks, it served as a popular stopover for rail passengers. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 62°36′53″N, 150°00′43″W
Elevation: 554 ft (169 m)
Time Zone: Alaska Standard Time (AKST) (UTC-9)
Established: 1922
Disestablished: 1957
Comments: Curry was established in 1922 as a remote train station along the Alaska Railroad. In 1923, the railroad opened a hotel billed as a “wilderness palace,” making Curry a popular overnight stop for rail passengers. The town expanded to include amenities such as a golf course and a suspension bridge.
However, a series of unfortunate events, including multiple fires and a boiler explosion, led to its decline. The final blow came in April 1957 when a fire destroyed the 75-room hotel, resulting in three fatalities. The hotel was never rebuilt, and Curry eventually became a ghost town.
Remains: Today, Curry is an uninhabited stop along the Alaska Railroad. Some remnants of the town’s past, such as old rail cars and interpretive signs, can still be found at the site.
Current Status: Curry is considered a ghost town with no remaining active community.
Remarks: The history of Curry reflects the transient nature of early 20th-century railroad towns in Alaska. Its rise and fall were closely tied to the fortunes of the Alaska Railroad and the challenges of operating in a remote wilderness environment.
