Iditarod
Gold Town That Inspired a Race
State: Alaska
County: Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area
Founded: 1910
Abandoned: 1930s
Peak Population: 10,000
Iditarod was Alaska's largest city during the 1910s gold rush. At its peak, 10,000 people lived here, and gold worth millions was extracted. A sled dog trail connected Iditarod to Seward - the route now commemorated by the famous Iditarod sled dog race. When the gold ran out, the town was abandoned to the wilderness.
Last Great Gold Rush
The Iditarod strike in 1908 triggered Alaska's last major gold rush. Miners flooded in, and the town grew to rival Fairbanks in size.
The Trail
The Iditarod Trail was the supply route connecting the interior to the coast. Mail and supplies came by dog sled in winter. This trail is now the route of the Iditarod sled dog race.
Timeline
- 1908 - Gold Strike Gold discovered
- 1910 - Peak Population reached 10,000
- 1930s - Abandoned Mining ended
- 1973 - Race First Iditarod sled dog race
Quick Facts
- Inspired the Iditarod sled dog race
- Was briefly larger than Fairbanks
- Accessible only by air
Location
Address: Iditarod, Alaska
Coordinates: 62.5, -158.0833