What the record shows
The federal survey describes the site: 3 mi N of Latah. Founded in 1872. Named for Greek letter A because it was the first town in the area. Namers were R.H. Whimpy and David Ham.
Alpha appears in the U.S. Geological Survey's place-name archive as a historical populated place — a settlement that once carried a name and no longer does. Our editors are verifying its full story against census records, newspaper archives, and county histories; this record will grow as sources are confirmed.
Before you visit
Unverified sites may sit on private land, and coordinates from historical records can be imprecise. Verify land status and access before traveling. Take photographs, leave nails — removing artifacts from federal land is a crime.
See it in context on the national atlas map.
From the field
The most valuable part of this record is the part only visitors can write.
Stamp your passport
Check in at Alpha — GPS-verified visits earn an inked stamp.
File a field report
Road conditions, what's still standing, what's gone — your report joins the record.
Add photographs
Credited, dated, and preserved as part of Alpha's permanent record.
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Society Pro
What the federal record holds within five miles of Alpha
Within five miles the record maps 26 mine shafts, adits and prospect pits, 23 named mineral sites, 4 lost places and 3 cemeteries. Pro puts them on the map with the 1879–1919 survey underneath and a swipe to today.