
West Beach Nome AK is a treasure trove of history and mining. The area is rich in gold deposits, with the discovery of gold in 1899 sparking a mining rush that brought thousands of prospectors to the region.
The town's early days were marked by a series of mining booms and busts, with many miners striking it big only to lose their fortunes in the harsh Arctic environment. The city's population swelled during the mining era, with some estimates suggesting it reached as high as 20,000 people in the early 1900s.
Many of the original mining claims and structures still stand today, a testament to the area's rich mining history.
West Beach Nome AK News
West Beach is a popular spot for beachcombing, with many visitors drawn to its shores in search of treasures like driftwood, shells, and other ocean-worn items.
The beach is also a great place to watch the Bering Sea, which can be rough and unforgiving, especially during the winter months.
Nome's proximity to the Bering Sea means that West Beach is often affected by the tides, with water levels fluctuating greatly between high and low tide.
On a similar theme: West Sea Shipyard
Miners Bid Farewell to Nome

Miners in Nome, Alaska, are wrapping up their 2023 season due to a lack of snow, which is essential for gold mining.
The 2023 mining season was the shortest on record, lasting only 35 days.
The city's gold mining industry relies heavily on snow to cover the beaches and make it easier to extract gold.
Nome's beaches are a unique environment for gold mining, with the city's gold nuggets often being found in the sand and gravel.
The mining season typically runs from mid-March to mid-April, but this year it ended prematurely due to the unusual weather conditions.
The lack of snow has significant economic implications for the city, which relies heavily on gold mining as a source of income.
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Dust on Beach Creates Rush
The dust on Beach creates a rush among locals and tourists alike, particularly after the recent storm that swept through the area.
The dust is a result of the dry and windy conditions that have been plaguing Nome for weeks, causing the sand to become airborne and reducing visibility.

Locals have reported that the dust is so thick that it's making it difficult to breathe and see, but it's also creating a unique and exhilarating experience for those who are willing to venture out.
The dust is not just a nuisance, it's also a sign of the changing weather patterns in the area, which are bringing much-needed moisture to the region.
In fact, the storm that caused the dust is expected to bring up to 2 inches of rain to the area, which is a welcome relief for the parched soil and plants.
Historical Events
The 1918 influenza outbreak had a devastating impact on Nome, with a ship called the Victoria bringing the disease to the area. It's estimated that worldwide, millions of lives were lost, and in Alaska, the Native Alaskan population was decimated.
One hundred years ago, a ship called the Victoria anchored off the roadside, bringing a shadow to Nome that took worldwide millions of lives. The disease was particularly severe in Nome, where 175 stalwart Alaska Natives were buried in mass graves.
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The Sitnasuaŋmiut Quŋuwit, a new memorial on West Beach, was dedicated to honor the local victims of the 1918 outbreak. The memorial is a gravesite or cemetery, and it's one of many mass graves throughout the Bering Strait Region.
Many of the victims resting in the grave are believed to be Sitnasuaŋmiut, or the People of Sitnasuak. The corporation has described the site and dedication as an opportunity to recognize the past and preserve history.
The land was selected by the Sitnasuak Native Corporation under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. The quŋuwit is historical, and as such, burials are no longer permitted here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nome, Alaska have a military base?
Yes, Nome, Alaska is home to a former United States Air Force facility, Marks Air Force Base, located just west of the city's central business district.
Sources
- https://alaskapublic.org/news/2015-06-15/miners-bid-farewell-to-west-beach
- https://knom.org/2018/10/06/on-nomes-west-beach-a-new-memorial-to-victims-of-a-century-old-influenza/
- https://www.miningnewsnorth.com/story/2019/07/01/northern-mining-history/dust-on-the-beach-at-nome-creates-rush/5811.html
- https://knom.org/2019/08/26/german-kayaker-stops-in-nome-on-attempt-to-circumnavigate-continent/
- https://nomenugget.net/news/search-florence-okpealuk-continues-regional-help
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