McCarthy Power Plant, McCarthy, Alaska, listed on the NRHP in Valdez-Cordova Central Area, Alaska
The McCarthy Power Plant is a wooden and metal power station built in 1917 near McCarthy Creek. This three-story building with a clerestory roof remains standing, showing simple, functional design built more for purpose than appearance.
Built in 1917 to power mining operations and the growing community, the plant ran on coal. Within a few years, avalanches destroyed the power lines to the mines, causing the facility to lose its purpose, and its machinery was later moved to Kennecott.
The name derives from its location near McCarthy Creek. The building stands as a quiet witness to when mining and industry shaped life in this remote area and the small community grew around those activities.
The site is located within or near Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and is best navigated using topographic maps showing exact position. Visitors should prepare for extremely remote conditions and bring appropriate gear for exploring this isolated area.
The facility used a tramway system to move goods and people between the plant and the mines, an innovative setup for its time. The clerestory roof windows were a clever design choice that brought natural light inside without needing extra side windows.
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