It all began in the summer of 1900.
“Tarantula” Jack Smith and Clarence Warner were prospecting along the east edge of the Kennicott Glacier. They thought the large green patches on the mountain in front of them were grass. But it was too high up the mountain for grass.
So the two decided to climb the mountain. Up close, they discovered the green cliffs were, actually exposed copper.
They took samples of what would become known as the “Bonanza Mine Outcrop”. Those samples turned out to be 70 percent pure Chalcocite, one of the richest copper deposits ever found.
Where?
The Kennecott Mines are located in the Copper River area, northeast of Valdez in what is now the Wrangell, St. Elias National Park and Reserve.
A Clerical Typo
The Kennecott Mines were named after Kennicott Glacier.
However, as things sometimes happen, a clerical error resulted in the use of an “e” where the “i” was supposed to be. And that’s the reason for the difference in the spelling of the names.
How to Bring Out the Ore?
In the years that followed, a railroad was constructed to bring out the copper.
Meanwhile, a man named Stephen Birch was in Kennecott to start developing the mine claims. But how was he going to get the ore to market before the railroad was a reality?
Birch actually decided to bring an entire steamship over the mountains from the port of Valdez. How did he do that? One piece at a time, and he put them together on the Copper River.
Dog Sleds and Horses
Birch also used dog sleds and horses to haul up the mining equipment he needed to get the mining operation up and running.
You Can Share This Edition
Do your friends and family know about Alaska’s Kennecott Mines?
You can easily share this story… but be careful because they might want to become Alaska prospectors. But if they do, be sure you get a cut of whatever they find.
Just click on the following link:
11 Years Later
The photo above shows two miners who were working in one of the mines.
When Kennecott was up and running, there were about 600 men, often working 7 days a week in the mines and mill town.
11 years after the two prospectors first discovered the rich copper cliffs, the first train left Kennecott. It was filled with 250,000 dollars worth of copper.
In the photo above, to the left is the Hospital. It was the only whitewashed building in the entire complex.
Five Mines
The Kennecott Mines included the Bonanza, Jumbo, Mother Lode, Erie, and Glacier.
1916 was the peak year for production in the mines, when the mines yielded 32.4 million dollars worth of ore.
Altogether, the mines took out around 200 million dollars in ore.
Enjoy this video of the Kennecott Mines
1938 – the Last Train
By 1938, the mines had played out and the last trainload of ore chugged away.
The Kennecott Mines became a ghost town.
1939 to the Mid-1950s
The only people living in the Kennecott Mine buildings from 1939 to the mid-1950s was a family of 3, who served as watchmen.
New Life
In the 1980s, the Kennecott Mines became a popular destination for tourists.
And in 1986, the area was designated a National Historic Landmark.
BONUS
Discover the whole Kennecott Mines Story and enjoy.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From our look at the Hillside Star
Rozanne had this to say:
“Thank you so much.
I spent most of my years living at Sand Lake, moving to "homestead" in the 50's. One day, there was a star, from then on, I looked for her each season. Being born here before Statehood, I am privileged to experience a wonderful place to grow up, and return to.”
Michael offered this comment:
“Thank you for sharing the history of the Star... I didn't know that!”
Connect with Mike and Mary
It’s time to put away your pick and shovel.
We know… you were just one scoop away from finding the Mother lode.
Did you enjoy learning about Alaska’s Kennecott Copper Mines?
We love to hear from our North Stars (that’s you). Do you have a comment? Just reply to this email. Or you can Contact Us to say, “I’ve been to the Kennecott Mines”.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Alaska Stories
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