Prudhoe Bay, also known as Deadhorse, is a small industrial city located on the North Slope of Alaska, United States. It is situated on the coast of the Arctic Ocean and is primarily known for its oil production activities.
Prudhoe Bay serves as a hub for the oil and gas industry in Alaska, particularly for the Prudhoe Bay Oil Field, which is one of the largest oil fields in North America. The oil field was discovered in 1968 and has been operating ever since, contributing significantly to Alaska's economy.
The city itself is home to a few thousand people, most of whom are employed by the oil industry. It primarily consists of industrial facilities, oil drilling equipment, and worker accommodations. Due to its remote location and extreme climate, it is only accessible by plane, boat, or the Dalton Highway, a rugged road that connects it to the rest of Alaska.
The name "Deadhorse" originates from the early construction days of the oil field when horses were used as transportation and the area was known for being a place where horses went to die. Over the years, the name has stuck, even though the city now has modern infrastructure and facilities.
While Prudhoe Bay/Deadhorse is not a typical residential or tourist destination, it serves as an important center for oil and gas operations in Alaska, supporting the state's energy industry and contributing to the overall economy.