Cape Nome

a cape and center of a remarkably rich gold mining region, on the S. face of the peninsular projection of Alaska, which separates Kotzebue Sound on the N. from Bering Sea on the S., and terminates on the W. in Cape Prince of Wales. In a direct line of navigation, it lies about 2,500 miles N. W. of Seattle, and 175 miles S. E. of Siberia. The nearest settlement of consequence to it prior to 1899 was St. Michael, 100 miles to the S. E., but that year various mining camps. built themselves up in closer range and reduced the distance some 60 miles. The Nome district as settled centers about the lower course of the Snake river, which discharges into the sea at a position 13 miles W. of Cape Nome proper. The first discovery of gold was made in September, 1898, but it was not until July, 1899, that the beach gold was discovered. In the middle of October following Nome City had 5,000 inhabitants. The yield of gold has been very great, and the district is being extensively exploited.