Chisana, Alaska
Unincorporated
Population: 12
Chisana (pronounced "Shu-Shana") lies deep within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 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. 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.
