York, Alaska facts for kids
York was once a small mining town in Alaska, a state in the United States. It was a place where people lived and worked, hoping to find valuable minerals. But today, York is a "ghost town," meaning no one lives there anymore.
What Was York?
York was a special kind of settlement called a mining camp. This means it was a small community that grew up because people were digging for valuable minerals in the ground. It was active in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Where Was York Located?
York was found right at the mouth of the Anikovik River. This spot was on Cape York, which is part of the Seward Peninsula in Alaska.
To give you an idea of its location:
- It was about 80 miles (130 km) (129 kilometers) northwest of a larger town called Nome.
- It was also about 45 miles (72 km) (72 kilometers) northwest of Port Clarence.
- The town of Wales, which is the westernmost settlement on the mainland United States, was only 15 miles (24 km) (24 kilometers) northwest of York.
A Brief History of York
In the spring of 1900, York seemed like it would become an important place. A post office was even opened there in April, which was a big deal for a small settlement.
However, things changed quickly. By the early fall of that same year, most people had left. The population dropped to only about 20 to 30 residents.
The settlement had several log cabins and a few larger wooden buildings. It was a place where supplies were brought in and then sent out to other areas further north. But landing ships at York could be very difficult, especially during stormy weather in the fall.
The post office closed in 1902. Sadly, the entire population of York eventually became empty. This happened during a widespread illness in 1918. The illness reached nearby Wales from York, causing many people to get very sick. Because of this severe illness, the settlement of York became completely deserted.
