11 Most Endangered
Kennecott Mines
Year Listed: 1990, 1991
Location: Alaska
Current Status: Saved
Threat: Deterioration, Neglect
The privately-owned Kennecott Mines site was one of the largest and richest copper mines in the world and, once defunct became a virtual time capsule of the mining era. Located within the boundaries of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the site was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1978. The Kennecott Mines site is listed because of serious deterioration and vandalization which has occurred since closure in 1938.
Update
In June of 1998, the National Park Service acquired many of the significant buildings and lands of the historic town of Kennecott. Since then, the McCarthy community and the Friends of Kennecott have endorsed a shared vision for the National Historic Landmark district calling for protection of the cultural and natural resources of this historic mining district and the surrounding glacial landscape; and providing a safe, educational, and rewarding experience for the area’s visitors and residents. Management of the Kennecott area is proceeding with a "light touch", meaning that projects will be undertaken in small steps, at modest costs, with minimal intervention process. A long-term, multi-year effort to stabilize the mining complex and rehabilitate several key buildings is ongoing. Rehabilitation of the Kennecott Recreation Hall, the first such project, was completed in 2004. The hall is now in use for educational programs and community events. The Kennecott Store and Post Office will be rehabilitated next to serve as the future visitor center.
