Once a thriving community, Copperfield now lays buried beneath the earth, a victim of the industry that gave it life. The irony of a town built to house USR and Utah Copper employees, only to be completely destroyed by Kennecott Copper Company, is not lost on us.
Copperfield was originally named Upper Bingham, but due to the discovery of a large copper deposit, it was soon renamed to reflect its newfound wealth.
Located above Bingham Canyon in Utah, Copperfield was a hub of activity during its prime. The town was built to house the many workers to extract copper from the earth. As the mining industry boomed, so did Copperfield, with new buildings and infrastructure springing up to meet the growing demand.
However, as the copper deposits began to dwindle, so did the town’s fortunes. Eventually, it was completely mined away by Kennecott Copper Company, leaving nothing but a ghost town in its wake.
Key Takeaways
- Copperfield was a thriving community that played a significant role in the early 20th century population growth of the area, but was completely destroyed by mining activities.
- Kennecott Copper Company, the main operator of the Bingham Canyon Mine, caused significant damage to the natural landscape, habitats, and water sources, but also provided jobs and economic benefits to the local community.
- The disappearance of Copperfield resulted from Kennecott Copper Company’s mining activities, leaving no physical evidence of the once bustling town.
- The legacy of Kennecott Copper Company serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between industrial progress and environmental conservation, marked by both successes and controversies.
Location and History
Located above the Bingham Canyon, Utah, Copperfield was a ghost town that met its demise due to mining, with no remains to symbolize its history.
The town was originally called Upper Bingham but was later renamed Copperfield after a large copper deposit was discovered in the area.
Copperfield was built for employees of the USR and Utah Copper, and it played a significant role in the area’s population growth during the early 20th century.
The town’s location was strategic for mining operations but also contributed to its downfall. The Kennecott Copper Company completely mined away the townsite, leaving no physical evidence of Copperfield’s existence.
Today, the area where Copperfield once stood is a reminder of how mining can drastically alter the landscape and erase the history of a community, leaving behind only a memory of what once was.
Kennecott Copper Company
The Kennecott Copper Company was responsible for the complete mining away of the townsite of Copperfield, resulting in the disappearance of all remains of the settlement.
The company was founded in 1903 by the wealthy American mining magnate, Daniel Cowan Jackling, and was named after the Kennicott Glacier in Alaska.
Kennecott Copper Company played a significant role in the development of the mining industry in Utah, and it was the main operator of the Bingham Canyon Mine, one of the largest open-pit mines in the world.
The company’s operations had a tremendous impact on the local environment, and its mining activities caused significant damage to the area’s natural landscape. Both successes and controversies mark the history of Kennecott Copper Company.
On the one hand, the company’s innovations and technological advancements helped increase the mining industry’s efficiency and productivity, and its operations provided jobs and economic benefits to the local community.
On the other hand, the company’s mining activities destroyed numerous natural habitats, contaminated water sources, and released toxic pollutants into the environment.
The legacy of Kennecott Copper Company is a complex and multifaceted one, and it serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between industrial progress and environmental conservation.
Current State
Currently, the Bingham Canyon Mine operated by Kennecott Copper Company produces about 17% of the United States’ copper supply. However, the mining activities in the area have completely wiped out the town of Copperfield, leaving no remains of the once-thriving community.
The abandoned buildings and structures that once made up the town have been destroyed during the mining process, leaving virtually nothing behind.
Despite the complete disappearance of the town, there have been preservation efforts to honor the memory of Copperfield. The Utah State Historical Society has placed a marker near the ghost town’s site, detailing the community’s history and its role in the mining industry.
Additionally, there have been efforts to preserve other nearby ghost towns to commemorate the area’s history. While the town of Copperfield may be lost to mining, preserving its memory serves as a reminder of the important role that mining played in the development of the American West.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the population of Copperfield at its peak?
Copperfield’s population peak is unavailable due to a lack of records. However, it had an economic impact through its formation for USR and Utah Copper employees before being fully mined away.
Were there any notable buildings or landmarks in Copperfield?
Historic buildings and landmarks were not present in Copperfield due to mining operations. The townsite was completely destroyed by Kennecott Copper Company, leaving no remains of abandoned structures for visitors to explore.
What was daily life like for residents of Copperfield?
Copperfield’s daily life revolved around the mining industry like a clockwork of routines. Social activities were scarce, but the town provided basic amenities for its employees. However, all was lost when Kennecott Copper Company mined away the entire townsite.
Did Kennecott Copper Company offer any compensation or relocation assistance to the former residents of Copperfield?
It is unclear whether Kennecott Copper Company offered any compensation or relocation assistance to the former residents of Copperfield. The mining impact on the town was so great that no remains of the town exist today.
Are there any plans to preserve or memorialize the history of Copperfield in the future?
Preservation efforts for Copperfield are currently unknown. Historical markers may be possible, but no official announcement has been made. The lack of remains makes preservation difficult, but efforts may be made in the future.
