- Community Type: 2nd Class City
- Current Population: 562
- Borough Name: Unorganized
- Regional Native Corporation: Doyon, Limited
- REAA/School District: Yukon Flats Schools
- Latitude: 66° 34' N
- Longitude: 145° 16' W
- See Map of the region
- Land Area: 6.80
- Water Area: 0.40
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| Location:
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Fort Yukon is located on the north bank of the Yukon River at
its junction with the Porcupine River, about 145 air miles northeast
of Fairbanks.
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| History:
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Fort Yukon was founded in 1847 by Alexander Murray as a Canadian
outpost in Russian Territory. It became an important trade center
for the Gwichin Indians. A post office was established in the
community in 1898.
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| Culture:
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Most Fort Yukon residents are descendants of the Yukon Flats,
Chandalar River, Birch Creek, Black River and Porcupine River
Gwich'in tribes. Subsistence is an important component of the
local culture. The sale of alcohol is restricted to the City-owned
package store.
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| Economy:
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City, state, federal agencies and the native corporation are
the primary employers in Fort Yukon. Residents also rely on subsistence
and public assistance. Unlike many Alaska villages, winter tourism
is becoming increasingly popular - Fort Yukon experiences spectacular
Northern Lights. Two residents hold commercial fishing permits.
The U.S. Air Force operates a White Alice station nearby.
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| Transportation:
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Fort Yukon is accessible by air, and barge or boat during the
summer months. A State-owned airstrip is provided. There are
17 miles of local roads. The City Transit Bus system provides
transport throughout the town. Snowmachines and dog sleds are
used on the frozen river.
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| Climate:
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The winters are long and harsh and the summers are warm but short. After
freeze up the plateau is a source of cold, continental arctic air. 6.58
inches of rain fall annually, with 43.4 inches of snowfall. Winter
temperatures range from -76 to 0, summers run 65 to 80.
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