Iditarod, located in the Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area of Alaska, is a historic ghost town that played a significant role during the early 20th-century gold rush. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 62°23′56″N, 157°42′30″W
Elevation: 135 ft (41 m)
Time Zone: Alaska Standard Time (AKST) (UTC-9)
Established: 1910
Disestablished: 1940s
Comments: Iditarod was established in 1910 following gold discoveries in the area. It quickly became a bustling mining town, serving as a supply and transportation hub for the surrounding goldfields. At its peak, the town boasted a population of over 3,000 residents and featured various amenities, including hotels, saloons, and a post office. However, as gold resources dwindled, the population declined, and by the 1940s, Iditarod was largely abandoned.
Remains: Today, Iditarod is considered a ghost town with no remaining active community. Some remnants of its past, such as building foundations and mining equipment, can still be found, offering a glimpse into its historical significance.
Current Status: Iditarod remains uninhabited and is primarily known today as a checkpoint along the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, which commemorates the town’s historical importance. Iditarod is an abandoned town in the Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area in the U.S. state of Alaska.
Remarks: The town’s name, Iditarod, is derived from the indigenous Ingalik word “HaIditarod,” meaning “distant place.” Its legacy continues through the annual sled dog race that bears its name, highlighting its enduring place in Alaskan history.
