People have lived in Healy for a long, long time. In fact, archeologists from the University of Alaska have dated sites of previous habitation in the Healy area at 12,000 years old. One site located up Dry Creek, off the Parks Highway, has yielded evidence of stone tools and herding animals which became extinct at the end of the last ice age. At least five different times people used this location as a camp.
These early people were migratory. It wasn't until the early 1900's that Healy became the permanent home of some hardy individuals. The coal seams across the Nenana River, visible from many locations in the Healy area, encouraged development and brought the railroad in 1916. By the early '20s many small coal mines were operating in the Healy Valley and shipping coal on the newly constructed railroad.
Seventy years later, coal mining is still a prominent industry in Healy. The Usibelli Coal Mine is the only operating coal mine in Alaska, providing coal for Alaska and international markets. Usibelli has gained a reputation as a strip-mining operation with an excellent environmental record for land reclamation. A coal-fired power plant operates near the mine.
Healy has attracted people from many different backgrounds who call it home. Some came as summer workers in Denali Park and felt roots take hold. Some came as visitors and grew to love the place and stay. The people of Healy have also gained a reputation-of supporting each other and working together for community goals. Healy has highly acclaimed schools, a hockey rink, regulation soccer field, a volunteer ambulance and fire service, a day-care facility, several churches, a medical clinic, a community picnic area and playground and a well-furnished community library.
Healy is a family town with friendly people. Take the time to chat with any of the folks you meet at businesses in Healy. Explore the area and enjoy the scenic vistas. You will come to understand why people have been coming here for 12,000 years.