Table of Contents
Nestled within the breathtaking wilderness of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Alaska lies the remarkable relic of Kennecott Mines, a testament to the industrious spirit and resilience of the pioneers who once called this remote corner of the world home.
Join us as we delve into the rich history, extraordinary discoveries, and the enduring allure of this iconic site.
In Kennecott’s rugged embrace, where mountains meet the sky, Echoes of labor’s sweat and toil, beneath the northern lights’ bright eye. A testament to human grit, carved in Alaskan stone, Kennecott’s story whispers still, in whispers heard alone.
Kennecott or Kennicott
The difference in spelling between “Kennecott” and “Kennicott” can be attributed to historical reasons and variations in naming conventions. Here’s a bit of background:
Kennecott Mines
The Kennecott Mines were named after the Kennecott Corporation, a company that was involved in the development and operation of the copper mines in the early 20th century.
The corporation, in turn, derived its name from the nearby Kennicott Glacier.
However, due to a clerical error, the corporation’s name was misspelled with an extra “e” instead of an “i.” Despite the error, this spelling became widely accepted and used for the mines and related infrastructure.
Kennicott Glacier
The Kennicott Glacier, with an “i,” is located near the mining town and is believed to have been named after Robert Kennicott, a naturalist and explorer who worked in Alaska in the mid-19th century.
When a town was established near the mining operations, it was also named Kennicott, likely to honor Robert Kennicott.
So, despite the original intention to have the names correspond, the spelling differences between “Kennecott” (with an extra “e”) for the mines and “Kennicott” (with an “i”) for the glacier and town became established over time, likely due to historical usage and local conventions.
History
The story of Kennecott Mines dates back to the turn of the 20th century when two intrepid prospectors, Clarence Warner and “Tarantula” Jack Smith, stumbled upon vast deposits of copper ore nestled amidst the rugged mountains of Alaska in 1900.
This serendipitous discovery sparked a flurry of excitement, leading to the formation of the Kennecott Copper Corporation in 1906 by the Alaska Syndicate.
Under the ownership of the Kennecott Copper Corporation, the mines flourished, becoming one of the most prosperous copper mining operations in the world.
Over the course of its operation, Kennecott Mines generated immense wealth, with estimates suggesting millions of dollars in revenue derived from the extraction and sale of copper ore.
Remains
Life in the Mines
Life for the brave souls who toiled within the depths of Kennecott Mines was characterized by relentless perseverance, unwavering determination, and the unyielding pursuit of progress.
Miners and their families braved the harsh Alaskan wilderness, enduring long hours, treacherous conditions, and the constant threat of accidents and mishaps.
The town of Kennecott blossomed into a vibrant community, boasting schools, hospitals, and recreational facilities, all supported by the thriving mining industry.
Despite the challenges, the miners forged deep bonds of camaraderie and solidarity, united by their shared purpose and the promise of prosperity buried beneath the earth.
Copper
Discontinuation and Abandonment
However, the golden era of Kennecott Mines was not to last. With the decline in copper prices and the exhaustion of easily accessible ore deposits, the once-booming operation began to falter.
By the early 1930s, the Kennecott Mines were shuttered, marking the end of an era and leaving behind a ghost town frozen in time.
Copper collection stop
Legacy and Tourism
Today, the legacy of Kennecott Mines lives on as a haunting reminder of Alaska’s rich mining heritage. Visitors from around the world flock to this remote corner of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park to explore the well-preserved remnants of the once-thriving mining community.
Guided tours offer an immersive journey into the heart of Kennecott’s past, allowing visitors to wander through the weathered buildings, towering structures, and abandoned machinery that dot the landscape. From the iconic red mill to the towering smokestacks of the power plant, each artifact tells a story of perseverance, ingenuity, and the relentless pursuit of progress.
Many buildings at Kennecott Mines are almost open daily and are free to visit.
If you plan on visiting the mill, you must book the tour. You can find information about the tours here.
During the time of our visit(2023), the Mill tour was $34 per person.
Kennecott Mill Entrance
How to Get There
Reaching Kennecott Mines is an adventure in itself. Visitors can embark on a scenic drive along the rugged McCarthy Road, winding through the pristine wilderness of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
The last 60 miles drive on McCarthy road from Chitina to Base Camp Kennicott is very bumpy and full of gravel. A 4×4 (4WD) is highly recommended.
McCarthy road ends at Kennicott River and there you will find Base Camp Kennicott campground. From the campground you will see a small bridge often referred as Kennicott River Bridge that you can either walk or bike.
Kennicott River Bridge
From the bridge, it’s a 5-6 mile hike or shuttle ride that leads to the Kennecott Visitor Center, where guided tours and information are available.
-
- If you have a tour booked in advance then the company will pick you up from McCarthy town or the bridge near Base Camp Kennicott.
-
- During summer times, one of the owners of McCarthy restaurant runs a FREE daily shuttle from Base Camp Kennicott to Kennecott visitor center. You need to hop off at McCarthy, and then hop on to a new bus from the same location. Remember its Free of cost but Tips are appreciated.
-
- There is another $5 shuttle option available. You can find the flyers once you reach Base Camp Kennicott.
-
- Alternatively, adventurous travelers can opt for a flightseeing tour from nearby McCarthy, offering breathtaking aerial views of the surrounding landscape and a unique perspective on the scale of the mines.
Free Shuttle Schedule
Where to Stay
There are a few options for overnight stays
We stayed at Base Camp Kennicott and during our stay the cost was $35 per day. No Reservations required.
Base Camp Kennicott
Where to Eat
There are a few restaurants to eat near McCarthy and Kennicott
-
- Roadside Potatohead – McCarthy
-
- The Golden Saloon – McCarthy
-
- Salmon and Bear Restaurant – McCarthy
-
- Kennicott Glacier Lodge – Kennicott
-
- Meatza Wagon Food Truck – Kennicott
During our stay we tried Roadside Potatohead, Kennicott Glacier Lodge, and Meatza Wagon Food Truck.
Meatza wagon board
Conclusion
As interest in historical preservation and ecotourism continues to grow, there have been discussions about revitalizing Kennecott Mines for tourism purposes. While there are no concrete plans in place, efforts are underway to preserve and protect this iconic site for future generations to explore and enjoy.
In the heart of Alaska’s wilderness, Kennecott Mines stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of exploration and adventure.
From its humble beginnings as a remote mining outpost to its eventual abandonment and preservation as a historical landmark, Kennecott Mines continues to captivate the imagination and inspire awe in all who visit.
So pack your bags, embark on a journey into the past, and uncover the treasures of Kennecott Mines, where history and adventure await at every turn.
Ghost Town
