Copper River Road, ALASKA - Miles Glacier & Mount O'Neal

Description

Copper River Road, ALASKA - Miles Glacier & Mount O'Neal:  The Copper River Highway extends 49.5 miles (79.7 km) from Cordova along the old railbed of the Copper River and Northwestern Railway. Construction began in 1945, and was originally intended to link Cordova with the state highway system at Chitina. The Million Dollar Bridge, which had carried trains until the CR&NW shut down, was converted for highway use. It is one of two discontinuous segments of Alaska Route 10.  The road extended only slightly beyond the bridge when the Good Friday earthquake of 1964 halted construction and severely damaged the Million Dollar Bridge, collapsing the north span. Temporary repairs were made, and the bridge continued to be used. Permanent repairs were not completed until 2005.  Mount O'Neal is a 6,411-foot (1,954 m) glaciated mountain summit located in the Chugach Mountains, in the U.S. state of Alaska. The peak is situated 34 mi (55 km) northeast of Cordova, and 2.5 mi (4 km) southeast of Mount Williams, on land managed  by Chugach National Forest. Although modest in elevation, relief is significant since the south face of the mountain rises up over 5,400 feet (1,646 m) in less than one mile from the immense Childs Glacier. The peak can be seen from the Copper River Highway.  This Divided Back Era (1907-15) postcard is in good condition.  C.T. Photochrom.  No.  A-56478.  Published by Lowman & Hanford Co.  Seattle.  No. 5037.