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charm can transport visitors back in time to the rural
America of the mid-twentieth century and is a must-see
destination on any Alaska vacation.
Modern-day Cordova owes its origin to Michael J.
Heney, builder of the Copper River and Northwestern
Railway. The town was chosen as the railroad terminus
and ocean-shipping port for copper ore transported
by rail from the Kennecott mines near Kennecott and
McCarthy. The railroad and town prospered until 1938
when the mine closed. Following the end of copper
mining activity, seafood became the area’s major
See Video economic base. Cordova was considered the “Razor
Clam Capitol of the World” until the legendary 1964
Earthquake, which exposed their beds. But resilient
Cordova switched gears and focused on herring. That
fishery flourished until the infamous Exxon Valdez
oil spill in 1989 decimated the region. But Cordova
survived and today their fishery is more successful
Eagles at Cordova Harbor than ever. Its world-renowned Copper River salmon
photo by:
VC TRAVEL GUIDE is prized for its richness and flavor with a high
concentration of heart-healthy Omega 3 fatty acids,
and celebrated for the well-managed and sustainable
Cordova oversight that keeps the population healthy.
The scenic harbor is full of fishing boats, such as
Location: Situated on the southeast shore of the small flat-bottomed gillnet boats, well suited for the
Prince William Sound in southcentral Alaska. silt laden shallow waters at the mouth of the Copper
There is Alaska Marine Highway service River. The larger seine boats are set up for plying the
between Valdez, Cordova and Whittier, and waters of Prince William Sound for salmon. Even
48-minute daily jet service from Anchorage. larger, the tenders proudly display the banners of the
Population: 2585. Visitor Information: Cordova fish processing plants for which they are buying. It
Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, 404 is common to see fishermen on the docks mending
First Street; Phone: (907) 424-7260; Website: their nets or tenders tied alongside one of the many
www.cordovachamber.com. processing plants adjacent to Cordova’s harbor where
they offload fishermen’s catches.
If you are looking for an authentic Alaskan Locally owned and operated flight charter
experience, Cordova is a community immersed in the companies can take you soaring above the delta
culture of the outdoors and known for its breathtaking in charter planes and helicopters. Hunting, fishing
scenery and friendly, colorful residents. Commercial and outdoor adventure charters can guide you to the
fishing is the lifeblood of Cordova with nearly every Cordova area’s secret places. Combination jet boat/
family benefiting from the world-famous Copper River ATV operators can escort you to the Million Dollar
Salmon fishery. Hike some of the best maintained Bridge and Childs Glacier.
USFS trails in the state or experience one of Cordova’s
many homegrown festivals. Glacier, rain forest,
wetland, and ocean adventures await you in this quaint
fishing village situated at the base of the Chugach
Mountains, along the eastern shores of Prince William
Sound and the Copper River Delta. Cordova’s rustic
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