Posted in Alaska
October 22, 2016
This Abandoned Ghost Town In Alaska Is Loaded With History
There is positively no denying that Prince of Wales Island in Alaska is one of the most beautiful places in the world. As the fourth largest island in the United States, this stunningly beautiful piece of paradise is nestled beautifully on the shores of the Alaska Panhandle and is covered in the lush rainforest of the Tongass National Forest. However, even the most pristine places have deep, dark secrets. Read on to learn all about the chilling past of Alaska’s abandoned ghost town of Sulzer.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
The community of Sulzer, Alaska is an abandoned ghost town on Prince of Wales Island that was originally centered on a copper mine.
This abandoned town was named after William Sulzer. Well known in both Alaska and New York, Mr. Sulzer is responsible for forming the Alaska Industrial Company, which is the company that developed copper mines.
The shores of Hetta Inlet on Prince of Wales Island is where the copper mining dream was set to go into action. This site moved on to be a bustling headquarters for the mines to the south of the inlet.
Jumbo Mine was active from 1907 to 1918 and during its peak it was one of Alaska's largest copper producers. For a while after the copper boom it was used as a cannery and fishing site. Today, however, it is nothing more than an abandoned ghost town that can be very difficult to reach.
Along with William Sulzer's brother Charles in a management role, the two went on to successfully play a part in operating Jumbo Mine, just a few miles to the south of Hetta Inlet on Jumbo Mountain.
Surrounded by the lush, dense woods of the Tongass National Forest, Sulzer's remains aren't more than a distant, fading memory.
If one would like to access the abandoned ghost town, they would need to use a boat or small plane to carefully navigate the very challenging terrain.
No industry or life (besides wildlife) remains in Sulzer and the harsh weather conditions that Alaska is known for continues to destroy a little more of the remnants with each year that passes.
As with just about everything in Alaska, there is incredible beauty to be found even in the darkest of places. Although this abandoned ghost town doesn't offer much twinkle in the eye today, it is still located in a beautiful slice of paradise and it holds a pivotal part of Alaska's copper mining history.
If you thought that was intriguing, this haunting trip through Alaska ghost towns is one that you’ll never forget. Also, if you’re looking for an extra spooky Halloween adventure, this haunted road trip will lead you to the scariest places in Alaska.
