Originally inhabited by the Inupiat people, Nome’s history transformed with the discovery of gold in 1898, drawing prospectors from across the globe. At the height of the Gold Rush, Nome's population surged to approximately 20,000, making it Alaska's largest city during that era. The annual Iditarod Sled Dog Race, finishing in Nome, commemorates the heroic Serum Run of 1925, when 20 mushers and 150 sled dogs delivered diphtheria antitoxin across 674 miles. Today, Nome serves as a vital hub for Northwest Alaska, offering medical care, government services, and support for mining operations. The surrounding tundra and coastline provide opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, and berry picking.
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English, Inupiaq