Cordova

A small town with the spectacular backdrop of snowy Mt. Eccles, Cordova is the gateway to the Copper River delta—one of the great birding areas of North America. Originally named Puerto Cordova by Spanish explorer Salvador Fidalgo in 1790, this peaceful fishing town of approximately 2,300 inhabitants is perched at the head of the Orca Inlet in eastern Prince William Sound. Early in the 20th century, Cordova became the port city for the Copper River and Northwestern Railway, which was built to serve the Kennicott Copper mines 191 miles away in the Wrangell Mountains. Since the mines and the railroad shut down in 1938, Cordova's economy has depended heavily on fishing. Attempts to develop a road along the abandoned railroad line connecting to the state highway system were dashed by the 1964 earthquake, so Cordova remains isolated, accessible only by plane or ferry.