Kennecott, AK

 mill, mine, copper mine, NRHP - National Register of Historic Places, interesting place, ghost town, historic district, U.S. National Historic Landmark

The last train left Kennecott on November 10, 1938, leaving it a ghost town. In the 27 years of operation, Kennecott produced 4.625 million tons of ore valued at roughly $207,000,000 with an estimated profit of $100,000,000. In addition, the silver by-product from this operation brought in another 4 1/2 to 9 million dollars in revenues.

From 1939 until the mid-1950s, Kennecott was deserted except for a family of three who served as the watchmen. In the late 1960s, the company ordered the destruction of the town to rid them of liability for potential accidents. A few structures were destroyed, but the job was never finished and most of the town was left standing. Visitors and nearby residents have stripped many of the small items and artifacts. Some have since been returned and are held in various archives.

The mines, mine camps and Kennecott Mill are collectively listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) as a U.S. National Historic Landmark District.