Kitsault, Mining settlement in British Columbia, Canada
Kitsault is a northern settlement in British Columbia consisting of residential buildings, stores, apartments, a hospital, and recreational facilities spread across forested mountain terrain. All structures and infrastructure remain in place despite the absence of permanent residents.
The settlement was founded in 1979 by Phelps Dodge Corporation as a residential community for molybdenum mine workers and closed after just three years in 1982. The rapid shutdown followed a collapse in molybdenum prices.
The name comes from the Nisga'a word Gits'oohl, meaning 'a ways in behind', reflecting the Indigenous roots of the region. This linguistic heritage connects the settlement to the territories of the Nisga'a people.
Access to the site is restricted to the public as it has been under private ownership since 2004. Caretakers maintain all buildings and grounds throughout the year to preserve the structures.
Despite complete abandonment, every structure remains preserved with maintained lawns, creating an entire operational town frozen in time without inhabitants. This makes it one of the few such preserved settlements in North America.
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