Nenana, Alaska
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Nenana is a home rule city in the Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area of the Unorganized Borough in Interior Alaska. Nenana developed as a Lower Tanana community at the confluence where the tributary Nenana Riv
Downtown (2026)
Nenana, 1944
Nenana train station and Parks Highway bridge
Josh Verhagen, Mayor of Nenana
1925 serum run to Nome
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The 1925 serum run to Nome, also known as the Great Race of Mercy and The Serum Run, was a transport of diphtheria antitoxin by dog sled relay across the US territory of Alaska by 20 mushers and about
Nenana, Alaska
…and most of the residents migrated to seek work in other places. By 1930, the population had dropped to 291. Nenana was the starting point for the 1925 serum run to Nome, after diphtheria antitoxin had been transported by rail from Anchorage. It was carried by dog sled to Nome to treat people in an epidemic. In 1961…
A view of Nome in 1916
Leonhard Seppala with his dogs after the serum run in 1925. His lead dog, Togo, is on the far left.
Gunnar Kaasen with Balto, the lead dog for the team he drove in the serum run
Statue of Balto, lead dog on the last relay team. The statue is located in Central Park (NYC) and is dedicated to all the dogs involved in the serum run.