Katalla, southeast of Eyak was quick to take on the challenge of being the gateway to the region’s abundance of natural resources. In the late 1800s, Katalla was a trading post of sorts for the Eyak and Tlingit Natives with settlements in the area.
Oil seeps had been spotted for years and by 1897 most of the promising locations, a 25-mile stretch of territory had been staked out.
In 1902, the Alaska Development Co. struck oil after drilling 550’ and over its lifetime would produce 154,000 barrels of oil (1904-1933). An extensive coal field also lie underground between the copper mine; determined to be the terminus and perfect shipping port of the new railroad, Katalla began construction of a railroad and a breakwater at the water’s edge.
This photo came from the archives and collections of the Cordova Historical Society housed within the museum. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays.
Stop by to see our new travelling exhibit in the Copper River Gallery, “Harry Potter’s Magical World.”
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