- Community Type: 1st Class City
- Current
Population: 4021
- Borough
Name: Unorganized
- Regional
Native Corporation: Bering Straits Native Corp.
- REAA/School
District: Nome City Schools
- Latitude:
64° 30' N
- Longitude:
165° 25' W
- See Map
of the region
- Land Area:
13.80
- Water Area:
9.10
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| Location:
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Nome was built along the Bering Sea, on the south coast of the
Seward Peninsula, facing Norton Sound. It lies 510 air miles
north of Anchorage.
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| History:
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Malemiut, Kauweramiut and Unalikmiut Eskimos
have occupied the Seward Peninsula historically, with a well-developed
culture adapted to the environment. Around 1870 to 1880, the
caribou declined on the Peninsula and the Eskimos changed their
diets. Gold findings at nearby Council in 1897 and on the sandy
beaches of Norton Sound in 1898 brought thousands of prospectors
to Nome and created a boom town. The gradual depletion of gold,
a major influenza epidemic in 1918, the depression, and finally
World War II, have each influenced Nome's population.
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| Culture:
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The population of Nome is a mixture of Eskimos and non-Natives.
Although many employment opportunities are available, subsistence
activities are prevalent in the community. Former villagers from
King Island also live in Nome. Nome is the finish line for the
1,100-mile Iditarod Sled Dog Race from Anchorage, held each March.
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| Economy:
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Nome is the center of the Bering Strait/Seward Peninsula region. Government
services provide the majority of employment. 67 residents hold commercial
fishing permits. Retail services, transportation, mining, medical and other
businesses provide year-round income. Subsistence activities contribute to
the local diet.
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| Transportation:
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Nome is a regional center of transportation for surrounding villages.
There are two State-owned airports in Nome. An $8.5 million airport
improvement project is nearing completion. Scheduled jet flights
are available, as well as charter and helicopter services. A
port and berthing facilities accommodate vessels up to 18 feet
of draft. Lighterage services distribute cargo to area communities.
The Corps of Engineers is currently designing a new harbor channel
entrance and breakwater.
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