Exploring the Small Fishing Village of Cordova, Alaska

June 11, 2024

The pond and gazebo at Hollis Henrich's Park.

Every week here in Prince William Sound, we get to visit the small fishing town of Cordova. It is quite unique, very beautiful, and not often visited by tour boats. This is definitely an UnCruise kind of stop. We take hard chargers up a mountain, do a historical walking tour with the director of the Cordova Museum, and have time to explore the unique town.

Cordova, Alaska, has a rich history shaped by its indigenous roots, strategic location, and economic developments. Here's a quick overview of its history:

The tiny, historical town of Cordova, near the Copper River Delta in Prince William Sound, Alaska.

Before European contact, the area around Cordova was inhabited by the Eyak people, who thrived on the region's abundant natural resources, particularly its rich fisheries. The Eyak's way of life was closely tied to the land and sea, and they developed a deep knowledge of their environment. The first settlers paddled down the Copper River, found salmon in Eyak Lake, and never left.

Nirvana park on the shores of Eyak Lake.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Russian explorers arrived in the region, followed by American traders and prospectors. The area's rich natural resources, particularly in fur and later copper, drew interest from these outsiders. However, it was not until the early 20th century that Cordova began to develop significantly.

We drove past hoards or sea otters on our way into the harbor.

Cordova was formally established in 1906 as a port for the newly constructed Copper River and Northwestern Railway, which transported copper ore from the Kennicott Copper Mines, located about 196 miles inland. The town was named after the Cordova Bay in Prince William Sound, which in turn was named by Spanish explorer Salvador Fidalgo in 1790. The establishment of the railway and the subsequent copper boom brought rapid development and an influx of workers and settlers.

With the decline of the copper industry in the late 1930s, Cordova's economy shifted towards fishing, particularly salmon and later, halibut. The fishing industry became the backbone of the local economy, with Cordova earning a reputation as a premier fishing port. The establishment of canneries and the annual influx of fishing boats and workers helped sustain the town.

Cordova is very much a fishing town. The excitement for the opening of salmon fishing season was palpable as everyone got their boats ready for the opener.

Cordova faced significant environmental challenges, particularly the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake, which was the most powerful earthquake in North American history. The town suffered extensive damage, but the resilient community rebuilt and continued to thrive. Another major challenge was the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, which severely affected the local fishing industry and the environment. The disaster prompted significant environmental and economic responses, shaping the community's future.

Today, Cordova remains a vibrant fishing community, known for its scenic beauty, rich cultural heritage, and strong connection to the sea. The town hosts the annual Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival, celebrating the area's importance as a key stopover for migrating shorebirds. Cordova continues to balance its traditional industries with tourism and environmental conservation, maintaining its unique character and way of life.

A tufted puffin getting a few steps in before taking off.

A tiny fox sparrow lured us in with its song.

We came across this pod of orca, stretched out over a few miles, shortly after leaving Cordova.

This is a quiet park in the middle of town. Imagine our surprise when we spotted a large brown bear swimming. It proceeded to get out, shake the water off, and cruise through the bushes and along the shoreline right past us.