Nome, Alaska, was founded in 1898 after three Scandinavian prospectors, known as the “Three Lucky Swedes,” discovered gold in the beach sands along the Bering Sea. This discovery led to the Nome Gold Rush (1899–1909), attracting thousands of prospectors and
turning Nome into one of the largest cities in Alaska at the time. By 1900, Nome had a population of over 20,000, but lawlessness, extreme weather, and limited resources made
life difficult.
The town’s economy relied heavily on gold mining, with large-scale dredging operations continuing for much of the 20th century. Nome also became a key transportation and supply hub for Arctic communities. In 1925, Nome gained national attention during the “Serum Run,” when dog sled teams delivered diphtheria medicine to the town, inspiring the modern Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
During World War II, Nome played a strategic role as a refueling stop for planes traveling to the Soviet Union as part of the Lend-Lease Program. After the war, Nome’s population declined, but gold mining, fishing, and tourism remained central to its economy.
Today, Nome is known for its gold rush history, Inupiat culture, the Iditarod finish line, and its remote Arctic location. It remains a unique blend of history, adventure, and tradition on Alaska’s western coast.