McCarthy, Alaska is a small town located in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in the United States. The town has a population of around 50 and is located near the Kennicott River. It is known for its mining history and the remnants of the Kennicott copper mine. In the past, it was a bustling mining town, but today it is a popular tourist destination.
History of McCarthy, Alaska
McCarthy, Alaska has a rich and unique history. It was founded in 1906 by two prospectors, Roy and Ed McCarthy, after they discovered rich copper ore in the area. The town quickly grew as the demand for copper sky-rocketed and miners from all over the world began to arrive. In its heyday, McCarthy boasted a population of close to 1,000 people and many businesses, including a saloon, a general store, a bank, a post office and even a hospital.
The Decline of McCarthy, Alaska
The boom years of McCarthy, Alaska didn’t last long. In 1938, the last of the copper ore was mined and the town went into a period of decline. In 1942, the US Army took over the town and it was used as a military base until the end of WWII. After that, the population slowly dwindled as people moved away in search of better opportunities.
The Sale of McCarthy, Alaska
In the late 1970s, the town of McCarthy, Alaska was put up for sale. The asking price was $750,000, but no one was interested in buying the town. It wasn’t until 1988 that the town was finally sold. The buyer was Joe Day, a Seattle businessman, who paid $1.2 million for the entire town.
The Rebirth of McCarthy, Alaska
Since the sale of McCarthy, Alaska, the town has undergone a remarkable transformation. The population has grown to over 50 people, and the town now boasts several restaurants, stores, and tourist attractions. It is also home to a popular hotel, which was built in 1992 and is owned by the same family that purchased the town.
The Future of McCarthy, Alaska
The future of McCarthy, Alaska looks bright. The town has become a popular tourist destination, and its unique history and natural beauty make it an attractive destination for travelers. The town is also well-positioned to benefit from the growth of ecotourism in the region. With its close proximity to the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, McCarthy is well-positioned to become an important ecotourism destination in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded McCarthy, Alaska?
McCarthy, Alaska was founded in 1906 by two prospectors, Roy and Ed McCarthy.
When was McCarthy, Alaska sold?
McCarthy, Alaska was sold in 1988 for $1.2 million to Joe Day, a Seattle businessman.
What is the population of McCarthy, Alaska today?
The population of McCarthy, Alaska today is around 50 people.
What is the primary industry in McCarthy, Alaska?
The primary industry in McCarthy, Alaska today is tourism.
What is the closest national park to McCarthy, Alaska?
The closest national park to McCarthy, Alaska is the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
What is the future of McCarthy, Alaska?
The future of McCarthy, Alaska looks bright. The town has become a popular tourist destination, and its unique history and natural beauty make it an attractive destination for travelers. The town is also well-positioned to benefit from the growth of ecotourism in the region. With its close proximity to the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, McCarthy is well-positioned to become an important ecotourism destination in the future.
What businesses are in McCarthy, Alaska?
McCarthy, Alaska is home to several restaurants, stores, and tourist attractions. It is also home to a popular hotel, which was built in 1992 and is owned by the same family that purchased the town.
When did the mining industry in McCarthy, Alaska end?
The mining industry in McCarthy, Alaska ended in 1938, when the last of the copper ore was mined.
Who bought McCarthy, Alaska?
McCarthy, Alaska was bought in 1988 by Joe Day, a Seattle businessman, for $1.2 million.
When was the hotel in McCarthy, Alaska built?
The hotel in McCarthy, Alaska was built in 1992 and is owned by the same family that purchased the town.
Where is McCarthy, Alaska located?
McCarthy, Alaska is located in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in the United States. It is near the Kennicott River.
What was the asking price of McCarthy, Alaska?
The asking price of McCarthy, Alaska was $750,000 in the late 1970s.