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About Chicken

Chicken is a part of the Southeast Fairbanks region of Alaska. Chicken is one of the few surviving gold rush communities in Alaska. As of the 2000 census, the population of Chicken was 17, with 5 of them being children.

Chicken was established in the late 1800s by gold miners. And in 1902, when the local post office required a name, ptarmigan was suggested as these birds were plentiful in the area. However, after the spelling of the word could not be agreed upon, Chicken was chosen to avoid embarrassment.

Anne Hobbs Purdy lived in Chicken during the 1920's teaching local children. She went on to write a famous book "Tisha" telling the tale of the life she endured in this small, remote community.

Downtown Chicken has a cafe, giftshop and bar. When in Chicken, be sure to check out Sue's Cinnamon Rolls and try your hand at goldmining at The Goldpanner on Chicken Creek next to the Gazebo.

-- Latest Update 2010/07/06 by RickG