Lower Copper Valley, Alaska: Roadhouses of Copper Center

opper Center was an important community during the Gold Rush. It was a trading center with local natives, and there were two major roadhouses here. There was also a Copper River crossing in Copper Center. The Copper Center Lodge, considered one of the most popular on the trail, is still in operation. This old cabin, next to the current Copper Cash Store, was part of the old McCrary Roadhouse, and was once surrounded by kitchen gardens. As in Delta Junction, the McCrary lodgeowner wore many hats. He was also the U.S. Marshall.