Nome Gold Rush and Aftermath, 1898–1910

Gold discoveries near Nome in 1898 and on its beaches brought thousands of prospectors, merchants and labourers to the Seward Peninsula. The sudden population growth created a boomtown economy marked by disputed claims, unstable prices and limited infrastructure.

After the first rush faded, residents had to build more durable forms of work and community in a remote environment. Transport, food production, medicine and entertainment remained essential to settlements separated by long winter distances.

The Treasures of Nome trilogy begins in 1904 and follows a dairy family negotiating the boom’s aftermath through farm work, music, illness and family secrets.