Boomtowns are built on optimism; ghost towns are what's left when it runs out. Welcome to Attu. Attu is a census-designated place (CDP) located on Attu Island in the Aleutians West Census Area in the U.S. state of Alaska.
Aleutians West Census Area County holds 5 documented ghost towns, including Biorka, Chernofski, Kashega — Attu keeps them company on the map.
The story of Attu
Alaska's ghost towns are the most extreme on the continent — total commitment, total abandonment, everything preserved by the cold.
Attu is a census-designated place (CDP) located on Attu Island in the Aleutians West Census Area in the U.S. state of Alaska. The community consisted entirely of Coast Guard personnel who resided and worked at Casco Cove Coast Guard Station, but they left the island when the station was closed in August 2010, leaving it uninhabited. As of the 2020 census, Attu Station had a population of 0. LORAN Station Attu had provided a navigational signal for mariners of the North Pacific since the 1970s.
What you'll find today
The on-the-ground condition of Attu is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.
Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.
Getting there
Here's the honest truth: access to Attu is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.
Good to know
Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.
Survey Map
Approximate position — verify access locally before visiting
Attu FAQs
01Where is Attu located?
02What county is Attu in?
03What is the history of Attu?
04What remains at Attu today?
05Can you visit Attu?
Sources: account based on Wikipedia (“Attu Station, Alaska”), CC BY-SA.
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