Cape Nome Mining District Discovery Sites

Cape Nome Mining District Discovery Sites
Gold prospectors on the Nome beach, 1900
Nearest cityNome, Alaska
Coordinates64°32′58″N 165°24′46″W / 64.54943°N 165.41278°W / 64.54943; -165.41278 (Cape Nome Mining District Discovery Sites (location of general area))
Area67.996 acres (27.517 ha)
Built1898
NRHP reference No.78000535
AHRS No.NOM-098
Significant dates
Added to NRHPJune 2, 1978
Designated NHLDJune 2, 1978

Cape Nome Mining District Discovery Sites is a National Historic Landmark located in Nome, Alaska. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1978. It is significant for its role in the history of gold mining in Alaska, in particular the Nome Gold Rush that began in 1899.

It was the discovery of gold at several sites by the "Three Swedes" (Erik Lindblom, __, and ___) that set off the Nome Gold Rush.

Four sites are included within the NHL District:

  • Anvil Creek Gold Discovery Site, which is separately listed on the National Register
  • Snow Creek Placer Claim No. 1, which is separately listed on the National Register
  • Erik Lindblom Placer Claim, which is separately listed on the National Register
  • Nome Beach, a 12.3-acre (5.0 ha) area

The three Swedes reported they discovered the Erik Lindblom Placer Claim on Mountain Creek on September 19, 1898, the Snow Creek Claim on September 20, and the Anvil Creek Discovery Claim on September 22.

Gold mining in the Nome mining district continues to this day.