Dyea, located in the Municipality of Skagway Borough, Alaska, is a historic ghost town that played a significant role during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-1898. Once a bustling boomtown, it has since been reclaimed by nature. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Municipality of Skagway Borough
Zip Code: 99840
Latitude / Longitude: 59°30′45″N, 135°20′50″W
Elevation: Not available
Time Zone: Alaska Standard Time (AKST) (UTC-9)
Established: Late 19th century
Disestablished: Early 20th century
Comments: Dyea (/daɪˈiː/ dye-EE) is a former town in the U.S. state of Alaska. A few people live on individual small homesteads in the valley; however, it is largely abandoned. It is located at the convergence of the Taiya River and Taiya Inlet on the south side of the Chilkoot Pass within the limits of the Municipality of Skagway Borough, Alaska.
During the Klondike Gold Rush prospectors disembarked at its port and used the Chilkoot Trail, a Tlingit trade route over the Coast Mountains, to begin their journey to the gold fields around Dawson City, Yukon, about 800 km (500 mi) away. Confidence man and crime boss Soapy Smith, famous for his underworld control of the neighboring town of Skagway in 1897–98, is believed to have also had control of Dyea. Chilkoot Trail and Dyea Site is a U.S. National Historic Landmark. Dyea emerged as a key starting point for prospectors heading to the Klondike gold fields via the Chilkoot Trail.
At its peak, the town’s population swelled to thousands, with numerous businesses and services catering to the influx. However, establishing the White Pass and Yukon Route railroad, which favored the nearby town of Skagway, led to Dyea’s rapid decline. It is part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park today, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past.
Remains: Visitors can explore remnants of Dyea’s past, including building foundations, old streets, and cemeteries. The Slide Cemetery, for instance, commemorates those who perished in the 1898 avalanche on the Chilkoot Trail.
Current Status: Dyea is considered a ghost town with no remaining active community. The area is now a serene spot for hiking, wildlife viewing, and reflecting on the history of the gold rush era.
Remarks: Dyea’s transformation from a bustling hub to a tranquil ghost town underscores the transient nature of boomtowns during the gold rush period. Its preservation within the national park ensures that its history remains accessible to future generations.
