Cordova Post Office and Court House
Early 1900's
In 1977, the Cordova Post Office and Court House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At that time, it was reported to be the oldest post office building in Alaska still in use as a post office. Currently, the building functions as the office for the Chugach National Forest's Cordova Ranger District.
Cordova Court House and Post Office - Constructed in 1924
Determined eligible on August 2, 1977.
From the Cordova Daily Times, July 24, 1924
Cordova’s new Federal Building Post Office and Court House Finished.
“Men who are familiar with public buildings and who have examined the new work of art and convenience that is so creditable to Cordova and Alaska, declare that it is the best and finest post office building erected north of Bellingham, Was, and in fact there is no better in the United States for a town the size of Cordova.”
Today the Historic Courthouse and Post Office is home to the Cordova Ranger District office.
The head District Ranger, wildlife biologists, fisheries biologists, trail and cabins crew all start their work day at the historic building located in downtown Cordova, Alaska.
Visitors to Cordova frequent the Forest Service office to gain information on local points of interest.
Local groups are able to use the historic courtroom to give public presentations and hold meetings. The court room located on the third floor measures 26 x 36 and is complete with the original benches, rail and gate which separates the main part of the room from the impressive judges stand. Built in wooden bookcases hold many of the old law books and give the feeling of a place of honor. Modern enhancements of a power point projector and drop-down screen do not distract from the historic feeling.
Description of the court room and third floor from the Cordova Daily Times, July 24, 1924
"The third floor has a court room26 x 36, divided by rail and supplied with an elevation for the judge. Adjoining is a library or consultation room, with a private office for the judge. Across the corridor are offices for the district attorney and the clerk of the court. In the rear on this floor are the jail rooms for men and women, supplied with toilet and bath and hot and cold running water. The marshal’s office and jail kitchen are at the extreme rear and entered from the alley.”
Today the third floor has been remodeled with offices, all with large wooden doors and views to the outside. Law Enforcement most recently had their office near the rear of the building and used this same alley entrance. Although no jail cell is needed today by Forest Service law enforcement.
Employees who work here year-round enjoy sharing all the secrets knowledge of the building including the hidden metal gates and the access into the attic (through the men’s room ceiling).
The windows have all been replaced with replicas, but the new windows retain the historic look and view looking out onto the surrounding waters of Prince William Sound.
The main lobby and reception houses the old brass and glass post office boxes. The local museum had a project to take some of the post boxes and turn them into small coin banks that can be purchased for around a hundred dollars.
From the Cordova Daily Times, July 24, 1924
"The public lobby is unusually commodious while the lock-box space presents a formidable appearance with its array of bright and modern 680 key lock-boxes."
Searches for historic documents by the local archaeologist in the attic and the basement of the building are often necessary. One of these recent basement searches was for Rosenburg’s Journal from the old trading post dating to the late 1800’s and early 1900’s along the Alaganik River. According to locals, the journal was reportedly housed at the Forest Service office, after having been turned over to the U. S. Marshall’s office. The journal has yet to be found.
Access to the building was modified in 1997 to provide for an ADA accessible ramp to the new addition to the side of the building. Consultation resulted in a finding of No Adverse Effect provided that the ramp did not detract from the main entrance to the building. An elevator and addition was built on to the three story building during the Rehabilitation.
Intense consultation with SHPOs office occurred in 2001 to resolve an assessment of adverse effects. SHPO’s landscape architect expressed concern regarding lead paint abatement and removal of exterior paint with sand blasting or high pressure water. The resulting method was one of sponge-blasting which resulted in no adverse effect.
From the news article of 1924
“…Bush hammering…on the outside wall of concrete. This is a special feature and gives the building an appearance of being one solid piece of granite. It was particularly pleasing to J.B. Warrick,-president of the construction company.. it gives an effect that architects have been trying for a long time to get on concrete.”
The Cordova Court House and Post Office will continue to be used as the Forest Service office and remains one of the more attractive historical buildings in Cordova.
More information
