Kennicott/Kennecott
Variously spelled Kennicott (after the glacier that fronts this mining town) or Kennecott (which the name morphed into and is now carried by the Kennecott Corporation), this remarkable town in the wilderness had its beginnings in 1900 when prospectors Clarence Warner and "Tarantula" Jack Smith found copper when exploring the rugged east edge of the Kennicott Glacier. The deposit contained up to 70 percent pure chalcocite, one of the richest copper deposits ever found. By the time the mine closed in the late 1930s, about $250 million in ore was taken out, transported via the Copper River Railroad.
The National Park Service acquired the site in 1998, beginning desperately needed renovations, such as stabilizing the mill where the ore was processed.
A couple more views of the mill. It is considered one of the most massive all-wood structures in the world. Huge internal timbers keep the structure remarkably sturdy, even after a century of harsh Alaska winters and the devastating 1964 Alaska earthquake, epicentered only about 120 miles from the mine. At one time, about 600 men toiled seven days a week in the mines, only enjoying a couple of holidays a year.
Heavy steel cable guided ore carts from the Bonanza Mine, perched high on a mountainside above the mill.
(Right) Larger than several steam locomotives, the power plant at the mine looms huge and dark. Renovations are now taking place.
(Below) Smokestacks at the power plant.
(Right) Alaska dress code: Kennecott is a jumping-off place for day hikers or serious mountaineers who want to explore nearby Root Glacier. Several mountaineering outfitters are based in the town.
In front of the Kennicott Lodge, fireweed blossoms partially obscure old wagon wheels.
Photographed from the top of the mill, this overview shows the machine shop, power plant and several residences. Dirt obscures the terminus of the gigantic Kennicott Glacier. Just barely visible in the background, the upper reaches of the glacier find their source in Mt. Blackburn (hidden in the clouds), elevation 16,390 feet. Root Glacier is just visible to the upper right.
Steven Birch, manager of the mine, is said to have used a footbridge near this waterfall on National Creek in the heart of Kennecott to walk to work.
