Old Minto
Flooding forced entire Athabascan village to move
State: Alaska
County: Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area
Founded: 1915
Abandoned: 1971
Old Minto was an Athabascan village on the Tanana River that flooded repeatedly in the 1960s. The Bureau of Indian Affairs relocated the entire community to 'New Minto' in 1971. The old village is now used for seasonal fish camps. It's Alaska's only 'moved' ghost town.
Timeline
- Pre-contact - Athabascan Tanana people lived in area for centuries.
- 1915 - Village Established Permanent settlement at current location.
- 1960s - Flooding Repeated ice jam floods.
- 1967 - Major Flood BIA decided to relocate village.
- 1971 - Relocation Village moved to New Minto.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Summer
Difficulty: Difficult - boat or plane access
Time Needed: Day trip
Tips
- Extremely remote - plane or boat only
- Cultural site - respect required
- Used for fish camps still
- Contact Minto Village Council
Quick Facts
- Entire Athabascan village was relocated
- Still used for seasonal fish camps
- Alaska's only 'moved' ghost town
- Ice jam floods caused the move
Location
Address: Minto Flats, Interior Alaska
Coordinates: 64.8856, -149.1806