Deadhorse, Industrial community in North Slope Borough, Alaska, US
Deadhorse is an industrial settlement in North Slope Borough in northern Alaska near the Arctic Ocean. The buildings stand on gravel platforms scattered across the frozen tundra and consist mainly of barracks, warehouses and technical installations.
Deadhorse appeared in the late 1960s after large oil reserves were discovered at Prudhoe Bay. Infrastructure was quickly built to enable drilling and transport in the remote Arctic region.
The name Deadhorse likely comes from an old pack animal found in the area before oil extraction began. Today simple dormitories and canteens shape the scenery, where workers rest after long shifts.
Most visitors arrive via the Dalton Highway, a long gravel road leading north from Fairbanks, or fly to the local airport. In summer the days remain bright, while in winter darkness and extreme cold make conditions harder.
The population swings between roughly 25 permanent residents and up to 3,000 people during work periods. Temperatures can drop to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 40 Celsius) in winter, greatly limiting daily routines.
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