Kennecott, Alaska is a ghost town located near McCarthy and within the vast and pristine Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the largest park in the United States, with an area larger than the State of Massachusetts.
Copper was discovered in the area around 1900, leading to the opening of the historic mine.
The mine was the largest source of copper ever found, and the operation thrived from 1900 to 1938, when the mine finally ran dry.
With the closing of the mine, the town emptied out, eventually becoming the ghost town it is today.
By the 1970’s, a small population returned to nearby McCarthy, principally to service the tourists visiting the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
As a result, limited lodging is available in McCarthy, though I would highly advise making reservations well in advance if you are interested in visiting this amazing and pristine region before or after your Alaska cruise.
Due to the remote location of the mine, most of the mining equipment was left behind, so the site is an amazingly intact example of a historic mining operation.
Guided tours of the mine are available from the neighboring town of McCarthy, and the tours include the inside of the mine.
These tours are really amazing, especially if you are a history buff like me.
Kennecott, Alaska and the mine are a must-see to visitors to McCarthy and Wrangell-St. Elias.
The history and stunning natural beauty of the area will make it a trip you won’t soon forget.
