19th Century “Silent City” Hoax Deceived Juneau Tourists
The 19th-century Silent City hoax in Juneau involved a con artist named Dick Willoughby who sold fabricated photographs of a supposed mirage city over Muir Glacier to tourists, exploiting their curiosity and his reputation as 'The Professor'.
Anchorage, AK, October 4, 2026 —
In Juneau during the 19th century, a notable deception known as the “Silent City” hoax unfolded, centered around a con artist who exploited the curiosity of tourists. The individual, identified as Dick Willoughby, operated under the moniker ‘The Professor’ and gained notoriety for selling fabricated photographs.
These photographs depicted a supposed mirage city situated over the Muir Glacier. Willoughby’s scheme preyed upon visitors eager to capture unique souvenirs and mementos of their travels to the region. His established reputation as ‘The Professor’ likely lent credibility to his claims and the authenticity of the images he offered.
The details surrounding the exact timeline of the hoax beyond the 19th century are not specified in available records. Similarly, the specific methods used to fabricate the photographs and the ultimate financial impact or duration of the scheme are not detailed. The contraption and his salesmanship played on the wonder of the era’s burgeoning tourism industry. The success of the hoax highlights a period when visual documentation was less common and public skepticism was perhaps lower, allowing such elaborate deceptions to take root.
No specific information was provided regarding the contractor’s name or details about permits, inspection outcomes, code violations, or fine amounts related to this historical event, as it predates modern regulatory frameworks for such activities. The primary elements of the story involve the con artist, his pseudonym, the location, the subject of the hoax (a mirage city over Muir Glacier), and the medium used (fabricated photographs sold to tourists).
Story summarized from the original created by David Reamer on www.adn.com, see more information here.
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