The Story Behind This Remote Town In Alaska Will Fascinate You
By Courtney|Published March 08, 2017
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Courtney
Author
Living and loving life in Alaska, Courtney enjoys living a happy life based on simple principles; work hard, be kind, stay humble. She is an avid dog lover with hobbies that include running, fly fishing, hiking & snowboarding.
The northern Alaska town of Nome is located on the southern Seward Peninsula coast and is home to a population of roughly 4,000 year-round residents. The town’s location on the Norton Sound of the Bering Sea makes it very exposed to treacherous, temperamental weather patterns. These challenges coupled with the fact that Nome is extremely isolated and difficult to access during the winter months, makes the area very susceptible to becoming the victim of circumstance.
In fact, in 1925 this was exactly the case. Nearly the entire Native Alaskan community was swept out from a deadly disease, that was until a brave and resilient group of sled dogs stepped up and saved the fate of the community. This courageous story is one that would eventually go on to be remembered and cherished for a lifetime.
The remote western town of Nome is home to a brilliant mix of cultures and rich military and gold mining history dating back to prehistoric times.
In Inupiat, this settlement is known as Sitnasuak.
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Nome is so isolated that in World War II, the town was actually the very last stop on the ferry system for planes flying from the United States to the Soviet Union
In 1898, the first gold was discovered in Nome at Anvil Creek. By 1899, the infamous Gold Rush Era has completely 'boomed' and the population grew from hundreds to roughly 10,000 residents. After the area was officially established as the Nome mining district, chunks of gold were found along the sandy beaches for miles upon miles.
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Nome was officially incorporated as a city in 1901, and many are surprised to learn that the town was actually once the most highly populated community in the entire Last Frontier.
But in 1925, all the hustling and bustling excitement in Nome came to a screeching halt when a deadly diphtheria epidemic struck the town of Nome threatening the lives of everyone in the community.
Known as the Serum Run or the Great Race of Mercy, 20 teams of sled dogs then came together to transport a vital anti-toxin over 674 miles of treacherous winter terrain.
The most celebrated mushers, who went on to become local and national heroes, were Norwegian-born Gunnar Kaasen (and his dog Balto) and Leonhard Seppala, who ran the longest leg of the Serum Run.
These dogs are known as the fastest land mammal for distances over 10 miles, many of which are known for outperforming many of the greatest human athletes on planet earth.
This celebrated slice of history was so monumental that today in New York City's Central Park stands a proud statue of Balto the brave dog, designed by F.G. Roth.
Balto, Togo along with their mushers and all of the other brave and resilient dogs and humans that took part in this life-saving effort will forever be ingrained in Alaska's history.
