Portage, AK (site)

USA / Alaska / Whittier /
 ruins, village, ghost town
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the former village of Portage was largely destroyed in the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake. It was subsequently abandoned due to the ground sinking six feet, putting the townsite below sea level in the flood plain of Turnagin Arm.

A few scattered ruins remain. The trees died after having their roots soaking in salt water, creating a "ghost forest".

Excellent overhead photos of the aftermath of the earthquake in this area: books.google.com/books?id=5EArAAAAYAAJ&lpg=PA963&ots=UW...

Photos of the former townsite are available at the below Wikipedia link.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   60°50'20"N   148°59'4"W
This article was last modified 15 years ago