Many stories have been told by bold men and strong women, but the origin is in the mist. The leader in the 'why' contest seems to be that back during World War II when the airfield at what we now call Deadhorse was a military outpost, a deadhorse was an airplane that had been picked apart for spare parts and could fly no more.
There is no evidence that there ever was a live horse at Deadhorse, Alaska.
A long time ago there was a Deadhorse Salvage company in the area. Which came first.....
There actually is no real town a Deadhorse. All the facilities relate to the oil fields and the few visitors who wander up one way or another. On an organized tour or after driving the Dalton Highway. The airfield is suitable for jet aircraft which carry passengers and freight. It is however a disturbing landing for anyone who hasn't flown much in Alaska during all weather. During the winter months, the airfield looks little different from the tundra, sort of gray and wipped with snow. During high summer when the ice is 'out', the airfield is set back far enough from the water that you don't really feel that you are going to land on the beach.
Barges come in one or twice during the summer bringing heavy non-perishable freight to Deadhorse and Prudhoe Bay. Each spring an actual dock made of ice is carved out so that the barges can unload. Everyone looks forward to the arrival of the barges. When the ice goes back 'out' the ice dock is gone.
One or two exploration class ships or ice breakers come by each year. Not exactly a cruise ship destination. Obviously tourist facilities are about nil.
Enjoy Deadhorse, but take it for what it is. A working persons town, totally no frills. Dry as a bone (read that 'no bars'. No where to go after work. All you can do up at Prudhoe Bay is work and earn money. You fly out to go elsewhere to party or build your new house. You don't bring the family and children as there are no houses, no schools, no facilities whatsoever.