Katalla, located in the Valdez-Cordova Census Area of Alaska, is a ghost town with a rich history tied to the early oil industry in the state. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Valdez-Cordova Census Area
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 60°11′42″N, 144°31′16″W
Elevation: Not available
Time Zone: Alaska Standard Time (AKST) (UTC-9)
Established: Early 20th century
Disestablished: 1943 (post office closure)
Comments: Katalla gained prominence in 1902 when the Alaska Development Company made the first commercial oil discovery in Alaska near the town. This led to the establishment of the state’s first oil refinery. The town’s population reportedly reached around 5,000 during 1907-1908, largely due to the announcement that the Copper River and Northwestern Railway would use Katalla as its access point to the Pacific Ocean and the Bering River coal fields.
However, violent storms in the fall of 1907 destroyed the jetty being built, leading to the decision to move the railroad’s terminus to nearby Cordova. The town’s population continued to depend on the small oil field for income until December 25, 1933, when fire damaged its refinery and operations ceased. The post office closed in 1943, and the town site was eventually abandoned.
Remains: Today, Katalla is considered a ghost town with no remaining active community. Some remnants of its past, such as building foundations and old equipment, may still be found, offering a glimpse into its historical significance.
Current Status: Katalla (pronounced KA-tell-ah) is a ghost town in the Valdez-Cordova Census Area in the U.S. state of Alaska, 76 km (47 mi) southeast of Cordova. The name of this town was sometimes spelled Catalla. It is now abandoned.
Remarks: The history of Katalla reflects the challenges faced by early 20th-century industrial ventures in Alaska, including harsh weather conditions and logistical difficulties.
