Yukon, Florida facts for kids

Yukon was once a small town located inside Jacksonville, Florida. Today, it is known as a ghost town because no one lives there anymore. It was closed down by the United States Navy in 1963.

Yukon: A Florida Ghost Town

Yukon was a small community that existed for many years in Florida. It was located close to the Jacksonville Naval Air Station, which is a large base for the U.S. Navy's airplanes. The town was a quiet place where people lived and worked.

Why Did Yukon Close?

In July 1963, the United States Navy decided to close down Yukon. This decision was made because the town was considered a "flight and safety hazard." This meant that the buildings and people in Yukon were too close to the flight paths of the Navy's planes. For the safety of both the pilots and the people on the ground, the Navy needed more space around the air station. So, the town was officially closed, and everyone had to move away. This is why Yukon became a ghost town.

Famous People from Yukon

Even though Yukon was a small town, a very famous person was born there. George Smoot was born in Yukon in 1945. He grew up to become a brilliant scientist. In 2006, George Smoot won the Nobel Prize in Physics. This award is one of the highest honors a scientist can receive. He won it for his important work on understanding the early universe.

What's There Now?

Today, you won't find any houses or streets from the old town of Yukon. The land where the town once stood is now part of the Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park. This park is a beautiful natural area in Jacksonville. It has trails for walking and biking, and it helps protect the local environment. It's a peaceful place where people can enjoy nature, and it's hard to imagine that a town once stood there.