CORDOVA

city, southern Alaska, U.S., on Prince William Sound. Named for its harbour (originally Puerto Cordova [now Orca Inlet], explored by the Spaniards in 1792), it was founded in the 1900s as a port for the Copper River and Northwestern Railroad, which served the Kennecott Copper Company mines (ceased operations 1938). Fishing, canning, and fur farming are now the economic mainstays, augmented by tourism. Ferry service to Valdez connects Cordova with the Alaskan highway system. The city was damaged by the severe earthquake of March 27, 1964. Inc. 1908. Pop. (1990) 2,110.