Editing Cordova, Alaska

{{short description|City in Alaska, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2013}}
{{Infobox settlement
 | official_name            = Cordova
 | settlement_type          = [[City (Alaska)|City]]
 | nickname                 = The Crossroads of Alaska
 | motto                    = 
<!-- Images -->
 | image_skyline            = Cordova Alaska aerial.jpg
 | image_caption            = Aerial view of central Cordova, Eyak Lake and the portion of the [[Chugach Mountains]] surrounding the city.
 | imagesize                = 260px
 | image_flag               = 
 | image_seal               = 
<!-- Maps -->
 | image_map                = AKMap-doton-Cordova.png
 | mapsize                  = 250px
 | map_caption              = Location of Cordova, Alaska
 | image_map1               = 
 | mapsize1                 = 
 | map_caption1             = 
<!-- Location -->
 | coordinates              = {{Coord|60|32|37|N|145|45|07|W|region:US-AK_type:city|display=inline,title}}
 | subdivision_type         = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
 | subdivision_name         = [[United States]]
 | subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
 | subdivision_name1        = [[Alaska]]
 | subdivision_type2        = [[List of boroughs and census areas in Alaska|Census Area]]
 | subdivision_name2        = [[Chugach Census Area, Alaska|Chugach]]
 | government_footnotes     = 
 | government_type          = 
 | leader_title             = [[List of mayors of Cordova, Alaska|Mayor]]
 | leader_name              = David Allison<ref>{{Cite book|title=2023 Alaska Municipal Officials Directory|date=January 2023|publisher=Alaska Municipal League|location=[[Juneau, Alaska|Juneau]]|page=60|url=https://www.akml.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Cordova.pdf|access-date=November 12, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.cityofcordova.net/elected-officials/ | title = City of Cordova}}</ref>
 | leader_title1            = [[Alaska Senate|State senator]]
 | leader_name1             = [[Gary Stevens (Alaska politician)|Gary Stevens]] ([[Republican Party (United States)|R]])
 | leader_title2            = [[Alaska House of Representatives|State rep.]]
 | leader_name2             = [[Louise Stutes]] (R)
 | established_title        = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
 | established_date         = July 8, 1909<ref>{{cite book|title=1996 Alaska Municipal Officials Directory|location=[[Juneau]]|publisher=Alaska Municipal League/[[Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development|Alaska Department of Community and Regional Affairs]]|date=January 1996|page=43}}</ref>

<!-- Area -->
 | area_magnitude           = 
 | area_footnotes           = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_02.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=October 29, 2021}}</ref>
 | area_total_sq_mi         = 75.14
 | area_land_sq_mi          = 61.35
 | area_water_sq_mi         = 13.80
 | area_total_km2           = 194.62
 | area_land_km2            = 158.89
 | area_water_km2           = 35.73

<!-- Elevation -->
 | elevation_footnotes      = 
 | elevation_ft             = 82
 | elevation_m              = 25

<!-- Population -->
 | population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
 | population_footnotes     = 
 | population_total         = 2609
 | timezone                 = [[Alaska Time Zone|Alaska (AKST)]]
 | utc_offset               = -9
 | timezone_DST             = AKDT
 | utc_offset_DST           = -8
 | postal_code_type         = ZIP code
 | postal_code              = 99574
 | area_code                = [[Area code 907|907]]
 | area_code_type           = [[North American Numbering Plan|Area code]]
 | blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
 | blank_info               = 02-17410
 | blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
 | blank1_info              = {{gnis4|1421215}}
 | website                  = [http://www.cityofcordova.net CityofCordova.net]
 | footnotes                = 
    | pop_est_as_of            = 
    | pop_est_footnotes        = 
    | population_est           = 
    | population_density_sq_mi = 42.53
    | unit_pref                = Imperial
    | population_density_km2   = 16.42
}}

'''Cordova''' ({{IPAc-en|k|ɔr|ˈ|d|oʊ|v|ə|,_|ˈ|k|ɔr|d|ə|v|ə}} {{respell|kor|DOH|və|,_|KOR|də|və}}) is a [[port]] city in [[Chugach Census Area, Alaska|Chugach Census Area]],{{efn|The Chugach Census Area was established in 2019 by the split of the former [[Valdez–Cordova Census Area, Alaska|Valdez–Cordova Census Area]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/geography/technical-documentation/county-changes.html|title=Changes to Counties and County Equivalent Entities: 1970–present|author=United States Census Bureau |website=census.gov|language=EN-US|access-date=2020-02-28}}</ref>}} [[Alaska]], [[United States]]. It lies near the mouth of the [[Copper River (Alaska)|Copper River]], at the head of [[Orca Inlet]] on the east side of [[Prince William Sound]]. The population was 2,609 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], up from 2,239 in 2010.<ref name="2020 Census Data">{{cite web | url = https://live.laborstats.alaska.gov/cen/2020-census-data.html | title = 2020 Census Data - Cities and Census Designated Places | format = Web | publisher = State of Alaska, Department of Labor and Workforce Development | access-date = December 5, 2021}}</ref>

No roads connect Cordova to any other Alaskan communities (besides [[Eyak, Alaska|Eyak]]), so a plane or ferry is required to travel there. 

==History==
[[File:PostcardCordovaAlaska.jpg|thumb|1910 postcard of Cordova, Alaska.]]
In 1790, the [[inlet]] in front of the current Cordova townsite was named Puerto Cordova by Spanish explorer [[Salvador Fidalgo]]. The city of Cordova was named after it, although the inlet itself was later renamed the [[Orca Inlet]].<ref>{{cite gnis|1421215|Cordova|March 1, 2010}}</ref> Cordova proper was founded as a result of the discovery of high-grade copper ore at [[Kennecott, Alaska|Kennecott]], north of Cordova. A group of surveyors from [[Valdez, Alaska|Valdez]] laid out a town site and [[Michael James Heney]] purchased half the land for the terminus of the [[Copper River and Northwestern Railway]] after determining that the neighboring town of [[Katalla]] was a poor harbor.<ref name=CHSFounding>{{cite web|url=http://www.cordovamuseum.org/historycordova.html|title=Founding of Cordova|publisher=Cordova Historical Society|access-date=March 1, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090703170654/http://cordovamuseum.org/historycordova.html|archive-date=July 3, 2009|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>  Heney and his crew held a brief ceremony to organize the town on March 26, 1906. A week later, crews arrived to begin work on the railroad. The first lots in the new town site, making up the heart of present-day Cordova, were sold at auction in May 1908. As the railroad grew, so did the town. Eventually schools, businesses, a hospital, and utilities were established. After the railroad was completed, Cordova became the transportation hub for the ore coming out of Kennecott. From 1911 to 1938, more than 200 million tons of copper ore were transported through Cordova.<ref name="CHSFounding" />

[[File:Cordova Alaska Jan 26 1907.jpg|thumb|Cordova, Alaska as shown in a postcard dated January 26, 1907]]

The area around Cordova was historically home to the [[Eyak]], with a population of [[Chugach]] to the west, and occasional visits from [[Ahtna people|Ahtna]] and [[Tlingit people]] for trade or battle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cordovamuseum.org/history2.html|title=Native History|publisher=Cordova Historical Society|access-date=April 12, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725200036/http://www.cordovamuseum.org/history2.html|archive-date=July 25, 2011|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The last fluent Eyak speaker [[Marie Smith Jones]] died in 2008, but the native people, as well as their traditions and lifestyle, continue to thrive in the region. 
Cordova was also once the home of a booming [[Pacific razor clam|razor clam]] industry. Between 1916 and the late 1950s, it was known as the "Razor Clam Capital of the World".<ref>{{cite book|title=Cordova |isbn = 978-0738581699|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dLu0AZpw1HUC&q=Razor+Clam+Capital+of+the+World&pg=PA49|access-date=April 7, 2013|last1 = Sherman|first1 = Cathy R.|year=2012|page=49| publisher=Arcadia }}</ref>  Commercial harvest in the area reached as high as 3.5 million pounds. Returns began declining in the late 1950s, presumably due to [[overharvesting]] and a large die-off in 1958. The 1964 [[Good Friday earthquake]] effectively obliterated the industry; in some areas, the ground was thrust up by as much as six feet, exposing the already depleted clam beds. There has been no commercial harvest in the area since 1988 with the exception of a brief harvest in 1993.<ref name="Clams">{{cite journal|last1=Bishop|first1=Mary Anne|last2=Powers|first2=Sean|year=2003|title=Restoration of Razor Clam (Siliqua patula) Populations in Southeastern Prince William Sound, Alaska|url=http://www.cf.adfg.state.ak.us/geninfo/enhance/maricult/razor_clam_pws.pdf|access-date=April 4, 2010}}</ref>
[[File:Alaska - Cordova - NARA - 23937621.jpg|thumb|right|View of Cordova in 1941]]

In March 1989 the ''[[Exxon Valdez]]'' [[oil tanker]] ran aground on [[Bligh Reef]] north of Cordova causing one of the most devastating [[environmental disaster]]s in North America. The [[Exxon Valdez oil spill]] severely affected the area's [[salmon]] and [[herring]] populations leading to a recession of the local fishing-reliant economy as well as a disruption to the area's ecology.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.durangoherald.com/sections/News/Earth/2009/02/12/Alaskan_oil_spill_prompts_action/|title=Alaskan oil spill prompts action|last=Rodebaugh|first=Dave|date=February 12, 2009|newspaper=The Durango Herald|access-date=May 16, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090219051626/http://durangoherald.com/sections/News/Earth/2009/02/12/Alaskan_oil_spill_prompts_action/|archive-date=February 19, 2009|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> After many years of litigation, 450 million dollars were awarded for [[compensatory damages|compensatory]] and [[punitive damages]].

==Demographics==
[[File:Eagle on fish cleaning station Cordova Alaska.jpg|thumb|Eagle on fish cleaning station Cordova Alaska]]
{{US Census population
|1910= 1152
|1920= 955
|1930= 980
|1940= 938
|1950= 1165
|1960= 1128
|1970= 1164
|1980= 1879
|1990= 2110
|2000= 2454
|2010= 2239
|2020= 2609
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015|df=mdy}}</ref>
}}
Cordova first appeared on the 1910 U.S. Census as an incorporated city. It incorporated the year before in 1909.

As of the [[2010 United States Census]], there were 2,239 people living in the city. The racial makeup of the city was 68.3% White, 0.4% Black, 8.7% Native American, 10.7% Asian, <0.1% Pacific Islander and 7.6% from two or more races. 4.2% were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

As of the census of 2000,<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=2008-01-31 |title=U.S. Census website |df=mdy }}</ref> there were 2,454 people, 958 households, and 597 families living in the city. The population density was {{convert|40.0|/sqmi|/km2|abbr=out}}. There were 1,099 housing units at an average density of {{convert|17.9|/sqmi|/km2|abbr=out}}. The racial makeup of the city was 71.1% [[White Americans|White]], 23.6% [[Alaska Natives|Alaska Native]] and [[Native Americans in the United States|other Native American]], 10.1% [[Asian Americans|Asian]], 0.4% [[African Americans|Black or African American]], 1.3% from [[Race and ethnicity in the United States Census|other races]], and 6.7% from [[Multiracial Americans|two or more races]]. [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanics or Latinos]] of any race were 3.1% of the population.

There were 958 households, out of which 36.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.5% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.6% were non-families. 30.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.17.

The age distribution was 28.0% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 32.8% from 25 to 44, 25.4% from 45 to 64, and 6.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 119.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 120.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $50,114, and the median income for a family was $65,625. Males had a median income of $40,444 versus $26,985 for females. The per capita income for the city was $25,256. About 4.3% of families and 7.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.2% of those under the age of 18 and 6.2% of those 65 and older.

==Geography==
Cordova is located within the [[Chugach National Forest]] at {{Coord|60|32|34.1|N|145|45|36.59|W|type:city|display=inline}} (60.542805, −145.760164).<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2011-04-23|date=2011-02-12|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref>
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|75.6|sqmi|km2}}, of which, {{convert|61.4|sqmi|km2}} of it is land and {{convert|14.3|sqmi|km2}} of it is water. The total area is 18.87% water.

===Climate===
Cordova has a maritime-influenced [[subarctic climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]] ''Dfc'') bordering on both a [[humid continental climate]] (''Dfb'') and a [[subpolar oceanic climate]] (''Cfc''), characterised by cool to mild, rainy summers and moderately cold, snowy winters. Precipitation is very heavy year round. The cool temperatures and heavy rainfall are caused by [[orographic lift]]. Westerly winds coming off the North Pacific Ocean are forced upwards by the [[Chugach Mountains]] which causes the air mass to cool and creates clouds and precipitation.

Yearly average precipitation is {{convert|148.37|in|mm}},<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/cordova/alaska/united-states/usak0061 | title= Climate Cordova - Alaska | publisher=US Climate Data | access-date=September 21, 2018}}</ref> with 125 rainy days out of the year. Snow falls mostly from December to March, and an average of {{convert|127|in|m|sigfig=2|disp=or}} falls yearly. Winter temperatures reach lows of {{convert|15|°F|°C|1|disp=or}} and the warmest summer temperatures are around {{convert|77|°F|°C|disp=or}}.<ref name=Weatherbase>{{cite web | url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weatherall.php3?s=69207 | title= Historical Weather for Cordova, Alaska, United States | publisher=Weatherbase | access-date=April 5, 2010}}</ref>

Most official climate data is recorded at the airport, which is 11 miles from the settlement. Temperatures and precipitation vary drastically between the city and the airport, and precipitation at the city is commonly twice that of the airport.

{{Weather box
| collapsed =
| location = Cordova, Alaska (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1909–present)
| single line = Y
|Jan high F = 33.7
|Feb high F = 36.7
|Mar high F = 39.1
|Apr high F = 46.5
|May high F = 54.1
|Jun high F = 59.4
|Jul high F = 61.6
|Aug high F = 61.9
|Sep high F = 56.4
|Oct high F = 47.5
|Nov high F = 38.4
|Dec high F = 35.3
|year high F =

|Jan mean F = 26.4
|Feb mean F = 29.1
|Mar mean F = 30.8
|Apr mean F = 38.1
|May mean F = 45.5
|Jun mean F = 51.4
|Jul mean F = 54.6
|Aug mean F = 54.1
|Sep mean F = 48.4
|Oct mean F = 40.1
|Nov mean F = 31.6
|Dec mean F = 28.9
|year mean F =

|Jan low F = 19.0
|Feb low F = 21.4
|Mar low F = 22.5
|Apr low F = 29.8
|May low F = 36.8
|Jun low F = 43.5
|Jul low F = 47.6
|Aug low F = 46.4
|Sep low F = 40.3
|Oct low F = 32.7
|Nov low F = 24.8
|Dec low F = 22.4
|year low F =

|Jan avg record high F = 47.0
|Feb avg record high F = 46.6
|Mar avg record high F = 49.5
|Apr avg record high F = 58.9
|May avg record high F = 70.1
|Jun avg record high F = 74.8
|Jul avg record high F = 74.5
|Aug avg record high F = 73.8
|Sep avg record high F = 66.5
|Oct avg record high F = 56.7
|Nov avg record high F = 49.3
|Dec avg record high F = 46.0
|year avg record high F = 78.9

|Jan avg record low F = -2.2
|Feb avg record low F = 2.1
|Mar avg record low F = 5.3
|Apr avg record low F = 18.1
|May avg record low F = 27.3
|Jun avg record low F = 34.0
|Jul avg record low F = 38.6
|Aug avg record low F = 36.0
|Sep avg record low F = 28.3
|Oct avg record low F = 19.4
|Nov avg record low F = 7.9
|Dec avg record low F = 3.2
|year avg record low F = -7.1

|Jan record high F = 59
|Feb record high F = 58
|Mar record high F = 68
|Apr record high F = 74
|May record high F = 82
|Jun record high F = 90
|Jul record high F = 89
|Aug record high F = 86
|Sep record high F = 78
|Oct record high F = 72
|Nov record high F = 60
|Dec record high F = 66

|Jan record low F = -30
|Feb record low F = -33
|Mar record low F = -24
|Apr record low F = -9
|May record low F = 19
|Jun record low F = 23
|Jul record low F = 33
|Aug record low F = 23
|Sep record low F = 20
|Oct record low F = -1
|Nov record low F = -17
|Dec record low F = -23

|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation inch = 6.22
|Feb precipitation inch = 5.95
|Mar precipitation inch = 4.69
|Apr precipitation inch = 4.48
|May precipitation inch = 5.41
|Jun precipitation inch = 4.58
|Jul precipitation inch = 5.70
|Aug precipitation inch = 9.93
|Sep precipitation inch = 13.21
|Oct precipitation inch = 10.88
|Nov precipitation inch = 7.16
|Dec precipitation inch = 7.97
|year precipitation inch=

|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
|Jan precipitation days = 17.3
|Feb precipitation days = 15.6
|Mar precipitation days = 15.4
|Apr precipitation days = 16.5
|May precipitation days = 17.2
|Jun precipitation days = 17.2
|Jul precipitation days = 19.2 
|Aug precipitation days = 19.7
|Sep precipitation days = 21.1
|Oct precipitation days = 20.8
|Nov precipitation days = 17.9
|Dec precipitation days = 19.7

|Jan snow inch = 20.6
|Feb snow inch = 18.7
|Mar snow inch = 20.0
|Apr snow inch = 4.9
|May snow inch = 0.8
|Jun snow inch = 0.0
|Jul snow inch = 0.0
|Aug snow inch = 0.0
|Sep snow inch = 0.0
|Oct snow inch = 1.1
|Nov snow inch = 9.9
|Dec snow inch = 24.5
|year snow inch =

|unit snow days = 0.1 in
|Jan snow days = 8.1
|Feb snow days = 7.1
|Mar snow days = 7.9
|Apr snow days = 3.0
|May snow days = 0.1
|Jun snow days = 0.0
|Jul snow days = 0.0
|Aug snow days = 0.0
|Sep snow days = 0.0
|Oct snow days = 1.0
|Nov snow days = 5.6
|Dec snow days = 8.7

| source 1 = NWS<ref>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=afc
|title = NOWData - NOAA Online Weather Data
|publisher = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]
|access-date = February 16, 2022}}</ref>
|source 2 = NOAA (average snowfall/snow days 1981&ndash;2010)<ref name=NOAA>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USW00026410&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access (1991&ndash;2020)
|access-date = September 12, 2022
}}
</ref><ref>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly&stations=USW00026410&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access (1981&ndash;2010)
|access-date = September 12, 2022
}}
</ref>
}}

==Economy==
[[File:Cordova Alaska salmon seine commercial fishing boats.jpg|thumb|Cordova Alaska salmon seine commercial fishing boats]]
[[File:CordovaHillside.jpg|thumb|350px|A view of the Cordova hillside from the boat harbor]]
[[Commercial fishing]] is the main industry in Cordova. Half of all households in Cordova have at least one person involved in commercial fishing or processing. The fishing fleet mainly fishes the Prince William Sound and Copper River Delta area. There are various fisheries in the area, the most economically important of which is the [[salmon]] fishery.

[[File:Cannery of the Carlisle Packing Co, Cordova, Alaska, August 1917 (COBB 106).jpeg|thumb|Carlisle Packing Co. cannery in Cordova, August 1917]]
All Pacific salmon species except for the [[cherry salmon]] are caught. Fishermen use either a [[purse seine]], drift [[gillnet]], or set gillnet to catch the fish. All fisheries are regulated by the [[Alaska Department of Fish and Game]]. The fisheries in Alaska have a [[Alaska salmon fishery#Limited Entry Act|limited entry permit system]]. The first fish processing plant near Cordova opened in 1887.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cdfu.org/history.html|title=An Historical Narrative of Fishing in the Prince William Sound/ Copper River Area|publisher=Cordova District Fishermen United|access-date=April 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725151146/http://www.cdfu.org/history.html|archive-date=July 25, 2011|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In 2009 there were 159 purse seine, 511 drift gillnet, and 27 set gillnet permits fished in the Prince William Sound and Copper River Delta area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cf.adfg.state.ak.us/region2/finfish/salmon/pws/pwspos09.pdf|title=2009 Prince William Sound Salmon Season Summary|date=January 12, 2010|publisher=Alaska Department of Fish and Game|access-date=April 13, 2010}}</ref>

==Arts and culture==
Various festivals and celebrations take place throughout the year. The Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival, hosted by the Cordova Chamber of Commerce, takes place each year in early May. Millions of [[bird migration|migrating]] shorebirds stop in the area to rest and feed before finishing their journey north. The most numerous species are the [[western sandpiper]], [[least sandpiper]], and [[dunlin]]. This is a popular time for avid and casual bird watchers to visit. Activities, workshops, and bird watching tours are held throughout the week.<ref name="Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival">{{cite web|url=http://www.copperriverdeltashorebirdfestival.com/|title=Copper River Delta Shorbird Festival|access-date=December 25, 2015}}</ref>

The Cordova [[Ice worm|Iceworm]] Festival takes place each February. Activities include a parade, talent show, royal crowning ceremony, and various competitions such as an [[Oyster#Opening oysters|oyster shucking]] contest, [[ping pong]] tournament, and a [[survival suit]] race.<ref name="CCoC">{{cite web|url=http://www.cordovachamber.com/|title=Cordova Chamber of Commerce|access-date=February 26, 2010}}</ref>

Copper River Wild Salmon Festival takes place in July at the [[Mt. Eyak]] ski area and includes various events.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cdvarts.org/|title=Cordova Arts|access-date=June 22, 2015}}</ref>  Salmon Jam Music Festival serves as one of the main events and a fund raiser for Cordova Arts, where local musicians perform followed by professional acts and takes place over the course of Friday and Saturday nights. Taste of Cordova, a wild food and Copper River salmon cook off, usually starts the events. Entries are made with a variety of wild, locally harvested foods and are judged by a panel of guest chefs and food writers. The Alaska Salmon Runs start Saturday morning and include a [[marathon]], half marathon, 10k, 5k, and a 1-mile race on the [[Copper River Highway]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://copperriverwild.org/ak-salmon-runs/|title=Copper River Wild|access-date=June 22, 2015}}</ref> Small [[Fry (biology)|Fry]] activities are educational events for children and families that take place during the races.

The Cordova Historical Museum has exhibits on the Copper River and Northwestern Railway, the local fishing industry, and [[Alaska Natives]]. They also host a juried art show called "Fish Follies".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cordovamuseum.org/|title=Cordova Historical Museum|access-date=February 26, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021209184509/http://www.cordovamuseum.org/|archive-date=December 9, 2002|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

The Ilanka Cultural Center museum features exhibits on Eyak, Alutiiq, Ahtna and Tlingit history and contemporary life – including artifacts, photographs, and oral histories. The 24-1/2-foot orca whale, Eyak, is one of only five fully rearticulated orca whale skeletons in the world.

The Cordova Ikumat Alutiiq group was formed in 1995, composed of youth and adults, and is open to anyone who wants to join; the group performs songs from the past as well as original pieces. The Ilanka Cultural Center offers traditional arts and skills still practiced including skin sewing, beadwork; mask, totem, and ivory carving; "putting up" fish and deer; berry-picking and jam-making; and subsistence and commercial fishing.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nveyak.com/ilanka-cultural-center/|title=Ilanka Cultural Center - The Native Village of Eyak|website=nveyak.com|access-date=April 14, 2018|archive-date=April 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414234514/http://nveyak.com/ilanka-cultural-center/|url-status=dead}}</ref>[[File:Southeasterly sculpture Joan Bugbee Jackson Cordova Alaska harbor.jpg|thumb|Southeasterly sculpture Joan Bugbee Jackson Cordova Alaska harbor]]

===Cordova Center===
In late 2010, clearing the site and construction of a {{convert|33929|sqft|m2|adj=on}} community center, to be named the Cordova Center, began. The Cordova Center hosts a new library, museum, auditorium, conference and meeting space, plus city hall offices. It finally opened in the winter of 2015 for the residents of Cordova. Various events take place in the walls of this building such as community movie nights in the theater, winter bazaars, art shows, and many more.<ref>[http://www.cityofcordova.net/cordova-center/ Cordova Center at CityofCordova.net] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101115084626/http://www.cityofcordova.net/cordova-center/ |date=November 15, 2010 }}</ref>

==Sports and recreation==
[[File:Mount Eyak ski lift Cordova Alaska.jpg|thumb|Mount Eyak ski lift Cordova Alaska]]
[[File:Sheridan glacier Cordova Alaska.jpg|thumb|Sheridan glacier Cordova Alaska]]
[[File:Cordova Alaska aerial view.jpg|thumb|Southerly aerial view of Cordova, including the harbor area and Orca Inlet.]]
[[Skiing]] is a popular activity in the winter. The surrounding [[Chugach Mountains]] provide excellent back country ski slopes. The [[Mt. Eyak]] ski area operates a single chair ski lift and rope tow. It is the oldest working ski lift in North America.<ref>{{cite web|last = Moore|first = Greg|title = Carry me home...Sun Valley's early chairlifts keep on chugging|url = http://www.svguide.com/w06/w06_chairlifts.htm|access-date = November 14, 2009}}</ref> Snowshoeing and ice skating are very popular sports around the Cordova area when conditions are right.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.cordovachamber.com/component/k2/item/100-glacier-exploration|title = Glacier Exploration|access-date = December 25, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151227003631/http://www.cordovachamber.com/component/k2/item/100-glacier-exploration|archive-date = December 27, 2015|url-status = dead|df = mdy-all}}</ref>

[[Hiking]] is available year-round on many trails. Some are within walking distance of the city while many others are a leisurely drive away."Easy Trails" include:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.alaska.org/destination/cordova/trails |title=Cordova Area Hiking Trails |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=24 July 2019 |website=Alaska.org |access-date=24 July 2019 }}</ref>
* Eyak River at [[Copper River Highway]] mile 5.7
* Alaganik Slough Trail via Copper River Highway to mile 16.9; turn south on Alaganik Slough Road then follow the main road for 2.9 miles. The trail begins on the east side of the road.
* Pipeline Lakes Trail at Copper River Highway mile 21.4
* McKinley Lake Trail at Copper River Highway mile 21.6
* Saddlebag Glacier Trail via Copper River Highway to mile 24.6; turn north on firewood cutting road; trail begins one mile away at the end of the road.[[File:Cordova Alaska coho salmon fishing.jpg|thumb|Cordova Alaska coho salmon fishing]]

In the summer [[kayaking]] in [[Prince William Sound]] is popular.{{citation needed|date=September 2015}} The Sound has more tidewater [[glacier]]s than any other region in North America.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.alaska.org/advice/glaciers-in-alaska|title = Glaciers In Alaska|access-date = September 7, 2015}}</ref> {{convert|1900000|acre|km2}} of the western Sound are designated as the Nellie Juan College Fjord [[Wilderness Study Area]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fs.fed.us/outernet/r10/chugach/glacier/kayak/index.html|title=Western Prince William Sound Backcountry|publisher=United States Forest Service|access-date=February 26, 2010}}</ref>

Indoor recreation includes the Bob Korn Memorial Pool, and the Bidarki Fitness Center, which has a gym with basketball court upstairs, a weight room, and multiple spaces with cardio training equipment<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.cityofcordova.net/residents/have-fun/bidarki-rec-center|title = Bidarki Recreation Center|access-date = September 7, 2015|archive-date = September 10, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150910022729/http://www.cityofcordova.net/residents/have-fun/bidarki-rec-center|url-status = dead}}</ref>

The Meals Reservoir Disc Golf Course is a public disc golf course erected in the summer of 2018, located near Meals Reservoir off Whitshed Rd.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.thecordovatimes.com/2018/06/28/cordovas-first-disc-golf-course-ready-for-use/|title = Meals Reservoir Disc Golf Course|access-date = January 15, 2019}}</ref>

==Government==
{{See also|List of mayors of Cordova, Alaska}}
The City of Cordova has a [[Council-Manager government|Council-Manager]] type government. The [[City Council]] is the [[legislative body]] and has 7 seats. The council is presided over by the Mayor. The Mayor is the ceremonial head of city government and has the power to veto any [[local ordinance|ordinance]].<ref>[http://library5.municode.com/default-test/home.htm?infobase=16292 Cordova Mun. Code]{{dead link|date=September 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Alaska City Charter (2009). Retrieved April 8, 2010.</ref> The city council appoints the [[City Manager]] for an indefinite term (he may be removed at any time by the council). The City Manager is head of the administrative branch of the city government. He executes all ordinances and laws and administers the government of the city.<ref>[http://library5.municode.com/default-test/home.htm?infobase=16292 Cordova Mun. Code]{{dead link|date=September 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Alaska City Charter, Article III (2009). Retrieved April 12, 2010.</ref>

The city levies a property tax as well as a 6 percent sales tax.<ref>[http://library5.municode.com/default-test/home.htm?infobase=16292 Cordova Mun. Code]{{dead link|date=September 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Title 5 (2009). Retrieved April 12, 2010.</ref>

==Education==
The [[Cordova School District]] operates the schools in the community. Mt. Eccles elementary school is the only public primary education facility in Cordova and had an enrollment of 206 students in 2008. Public secondary education is served by a single combined [[Cordova Jr/Sr High School|junior and senior high school]]. The high school had an enrollment of 205 students in 2008. The Cordova School District has 26 employed teachers.<ref name=NCES>{{cite web|url=http://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/index.asp|title=National Center for Education Statistics|publisher=United States Department of Education|access-date=April 5, 2010}}</ref> Post secondary education is provided by the [[Prince William Sound College]], a community campus of [[University of Alaska Anchorage]].

==Media==
The independently owned city newspaper, the ''[[Cordova Times]]'', established in 1914 is published weekly and distributed every Friday.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecordovatimes.com|title=The Cordova Times}}</ref>

There are three radio stations in the area. [[KLAM]] (1450 AM) began broadcasting in 1954 and generally plays classic rock, country, and news and talk shows.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://users.ctcak.net/bayview/KLAM.html|title=History of KLAM|access-date=April 12, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523020832/http://users.ctcak.net/bayview/KLAM.html|archive-date=May 23, 2010|df=mdy-all}}</ref> [[KCDV]] (100.9 FM) started in 1997 and plays top hits, '80s, and '90s music. Both stations are owned by Bayview Communications Inc.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://users.ctcak.net/bayview/EAGLE.html|title=History of KCDV|access-date=April 12, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100521234624/http://users.ctcak.net/bayview/EAGLE.html|archive-date=May 21, 2010|df=mdy-all}}</ref> [[KCHU]], based in [[Valdez, Alaska|Valdez]] operates a translator at 88.1 FM that serves Cordova public radio programming.<ref>{{cite web|title=Station Profile|publisher=KCHU website|url=http://www.kchu.org/pages/station-profile.php|access-date = April 12, 2010}}</ref>

The Cordova area is often featured in ski films by director [[Warren Miller (director)|Warren Miller]].

==Transportation==
[[File:Cordova Alaska small boat harbor.jpg|thumb|Cordova Alaska small boat harbor]]
Despite being on the mainland, Cordova is only accessible via boat or aircraft, as there is no road connecting the city to any other. It was previously accessible by railroad however the railway is no longer in use largely due to the 1964 [[Good Friday earthquake]] and the resulting destruction it caused to the [[Million Dollar Bridge]]. The longest road is the Copper River Highway which follows the old railbed of the Copper River and Northwestern Railway for {{convert|49.5|mi|km}}.<ref name="DoT">{{cite web|url=http://www.dot.state.ak.us/stwdplng/highwaydata/pub/routelists/all_stwdRtlist_2008_10.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501151213/http://www1.dot.state.ak.us/stwdplng/highwaydata/pub/routelists/all_stwdRtlist_2008_10.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 1, 2009 |title=Highway Analysis System Route List |date=October 27, 2008 |publisher=Alaska Department of Transportation |pages=36 |access-date=April 12, 2010 }}</ref>  The first {{convert|11|mi|km}} east of Cordova is paved and the rest is gravel. As of the summer of 2011, vehicle traffic can only reach the 36 mile mark as changes in the river course washed out the 339 bridge.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.adn.com/article/20130721/many-cordova-residents-feeling-impact-bridge-339s-demise|title=Many Cordova residents feeling impact of Bridge 339's demise|access-date=June 25, 2015}}</ref>  The following 13.5 miles may still be accessed via a river crossing by boat.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.riversideinncordova.com/Eyak-River.html|title=Child's Glacier Tours|access-date=June 25, 2015|archive-date=June 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629122631/http://www.riversideinncordova.com/Eyak-River.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Cars and trucks can be transported to Cordova by ferry. Regular ferry service is provided by the state owned [[Alaska Marine Highway System]] to [[Valdez, Alaska|Valdez]] and [[Whittier, Alaska|Whittier]] with whistle stops (the ferry only stops if there are prior reservations) in [[Tatitlek]] and [[Chenega Bay, Alaska|Chenega Bay]]. The [[MV Aurora (1977)|M/V ''Aurora'']] operates in Prince William Sound year round.
[[File:Alaska Air Copper river delta Cordova 2.jpg|thumb|Alaska Air Copper river delta Cordova 2]]
Cordova has two airports. [[Merle K. (Mudhole) Smith Airport]] is a state-owned airport located {{convert|11|mi|km}} east of the city. It has regular jet service provided by [[Alaska Airlines]]. Its main runway is {{convert|7500|ft|m}} long with an [[Asphalt concrete|asphalt]] surface.<ref name="FAA-CDV">{{FAA-airport|ID=CDV|use=PU|own=PU|site=50124.*A}}, effective October 10, 2008.</ref> The [[Cordova Municipal Airport]] is {{convert|1|mi|km}} from the city and is also state owned. It is located on [[Lake Eyak]] which also has a seaplane landing area. The sole runway has a length of {{convert|1800|ft|m}} with a gravel surface. The municipal airport is mostly used by air taxis and personal aircraft.<ref name=FAA-CKU>{{FAA-airport|ID=CKU|use=PU|own=PU|site=50125.*A}}, effective September 25, 2008.</ref>

==Notable people==
*[[Marie Smith Jones]] (1918–2008), last native speaker of the [[Eyak language]] and last full blood [[Eyak]]
*[[Cody McKenzie]] (born 1987), [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]] fighter

==See also==
*[[Miles Glacier Bridge]]
*[[Mount Eyak]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website|http://www.cityofcordova.net}}

{{Chugach Census Area, Alaska}}
{{Alaska}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1884 establishments in Alaska]]
[[Category:Cities in Chugach Census Area, Alaska]]
[[Category:Cordova, Alaska| ]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in Alaska on the Pacific Ocean]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1884]]