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Why did the capital of Yukon move from Dawson City to Whitehorse in 1953?
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The capital of Yukon moved from Dawson City to Whitehorse in 1953 primarily due to improved transportation and communication infrastructure, which centered around Whitehorse. The construction of the Alaska Highway during World War II made Whitehorse a more accessible and central location for government services and development. Dawson City, while historically significant due to the Klondike Gold Rush, became less central as transportation shifted from river travel to road and air. Whitehorse's strategic position as a transportation hub led to its growth and its designation as the new territorial capital.123