Museum Memories: March 3, 2018

Communication technology was advancing and critical to the development of Alaska, resulting in another huge influx of population. President Roosevelt decreed all governmental radio messages would be the responsibility of the U.S. Navy. The Navy was also permitted to receive and transmit messages from ship to shore. The Navy established a radio station at Point Whitshed, nine miles from Cordova; stations at Mile 14 and at Mile 7.

No roads went into these areas so all freight to the stations had to be shipped over the railroad. The Mile 7 structures were located near glacial streams from the nearby glaciers. It became a rather large site and during its active life the number of personnel at the station averaged about 20, with never less than a cadre of two officers and 10 other ranks.

These photos 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 noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

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