This is my all-time favorite Alaska place name!
According to local lore, there was a mining town that sprang up during the Klondike Gold Rush. The miners who settled there wanted to name it Ptarmigan (for the Alaska state bird). However there was just one problem - they didn't know how to spell it!
So (to avoid the embarrassment of a misspelling) they instead named it.....CHICKEN!
Chicken still exists today (population 17) and has a bar, gift shop, cafe, salmon bake, and post office.
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Chicken also boasts its own website (promoting tourism) and features directions, maps, history, and some inquisitive and humorous FAQs!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Is there any electricity in Chicken?
A: Nope. Most people use generators.
Q: Well then what about phones? Huh?
A: Nope, no phones either. That means no Internet access for those that can imagine the possibility. The website is maintained outside of Chicken.
Q: What about mail?
A: What about it?
Q: Do you get any?
A: Yes, mail arrives by plane Tuesdays and Fridays of every week. Chicken has had continual mail service since 1906
Q: Okay. So, where are the bathrooms?
A: Chicken has no central plumbing. But you're welcome to use the outhouse.
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