Rampart

     The name "Rampart" refers to the range of low mountains through which the Yukon passes in this region and forms the "ramparts" of the upper Yukon.  Rampart City was established in 1887 as a river supply point for gold placer mines in the hills and creek valleys south of the Yukon.  News of the strikes in Minook Creek, Idaho Bar,  Quail Creek, and Eureka Creek, all within 30 miles of Rampart triggered a rush to the community in 1898 and swelled its population to greater than 10,000 by some estimates. 

     During its heyday, Rampart had a newspaper, hotels, saloons,  a library, fire department, hospital, and a host of stores and businesses that were typical of mining towns of that time.  The boom was short lived.  New strikes in the Upper Koyukuk, Anvil Creek, Nome, and Fairbanks rapidly depleted its population.  By 1903 only a Native community remained among the abandoned homes and businesses.  Over time the population gradually increased as people migrated from Minook Creek.  By 1917 about 30 Natives and Whites were living in Rampart.

     An airstrip was constructed in 1939 by the Alaska Road Commission.  A salmon cannery was established in the 1940s, and a sawmill and logging operation was started in the 1950s,  Residents continue to work in nearby gold mines.  The local store served as a supply point for area operations.

    Today, the population of Rampart is predominately Koyukon, Athabascan, and heavily dependent upon subsistence activities.  Salmon, whitefish, moose, caribou, waterfowl, and small game provide meat sources.  Fuel and other goods are delivered 2 to 3 times a year.  Rampart with his 54 inhabitants is located 100 miles northwest of Fairbanks

 Mark at the Yukon River

Awesome Air Gal at the Yukon River

Winsock

Trail to Rampart from the Airport

Rampart

Rampart

 Minook Island, in the Yukon River