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Chisana
(CHEE-san-uh); a.k.a. Shushana (SHOO-sha-na)
| Current Population: |
9
(2008 Estimated Population (not Certified))
|
| Incorporation Type: |
Unincorporated |
| Borough Located In: |
Unorganized |
| Taxes: |
No taxing authority
|
|
| Location
and Climate |
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Chisana (pronounced "Shu-Shana") lies deep within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. It lies on the north bank of Chathenda Creek, 1.7 miles east of its junction with the Chisana River. It is located about 30 miles southeast of Nabesna. The community
lies at approximately 62.066110° North Latitude
and -142.040830° West Longitude.
(Sec. 6, T003N, R019E, Copper River Meridian.)
Chisana is located in the
Chitina Recording District.
The area experiences a continental climate, with long, cold winters, and relatively warm summers. Temperature extremes range from a low of -62 to a high of 91 degrees Fahrenheit. Total precipitation averages 13 inches per year, with annual snowfall averaging 61 inches. |
Topographic
map of
Chisana
area
 |
| History, Culture
and Demographics |
| Chisana is derived from an Athabascan word meaning "red river." Chisana is the location of Alaska's last significant gold rush. In 1913, Billy James, Andy Taylor, Fred Best and Matilda Wales staked the first mining claims on the Bonanza, Little Eldorado and Big Eldorado creeks. From 2,000 to 8,000 persons joined the Shushana rush. Other townsites were developed in the area: Woodrow, Johnson City, Reliance City and Gasoline City. A Native village was located nearby on Cross Creek. By 1924, mining had dwindled, and according to Milton B. Medary, a member of a Smithsonian expedition, Chisana consisted of "452 log cabins in which one man lives alone." The Chisana Post Office operated from 1913 to 1938. Mining continued in the District, but declined, until World War II. The Chisana Mining District was placed on the National Historic Register in 1985. (For more history of Chisana, see http://www.nps.gov/wrst/chisanamining.html)
The population of the community consists of 0%
Alaska Native or part Native.
Several families live year-round in the community. Children are home-schooled.
During the 2000 U.S. Census,
total housing units numbered 20, and vacant housing units numbered 15.
Vacant housing units used
only seasonally numbered 15.
U.S. Census data for Year
2000 showed 0 residents
as employed. The unemployment rate at that time was
0 percent,
although
0 percent of
all adults were not in the work force. The median household
income was $0, per capita income was $0, and
0 percent of residents
were living below the poverty level.
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| Facilities,
Utilities, Schools and Health Care |
| There are no public facilities in Chisana. Most year-round homes have plumbing. Residents draw water from Johnson Creek (Chathenda Creek) during the summer, and the Chisana River during the winter. Septic drainfields are used for waste disposal. Most year-round residents use solar energy systems.
Electricity is provided by Individual Generators.
There are no state operated schools located in the community.
Local hospitals or health clinics include Cross Road Medical Center in Glennallen (907-822-3203).
Auxiliary health care is provided by Cross Road Medical Center in Glennallen.
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| Economy
and Transportation |
The area is popular for seasonal recreation. General aviation, air taxis, guides and independent travelers utilize the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. There are two bed-and-breakfast businesses and two hunting guides. Hunters frequent the area from August through mid-September.
There is no road access. A 3,000' long by 50' wide State-owned gravel and turf airstrip is available, but it is not maintained. (Skis only during winter months.) There are several private airstrips. A mail plane provides passenger service twice weekly. |
Organizations
with Local Offices
Regional
Organizations
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