In the fall of 1924, Dr. Curtis Welsh, the only doctor in the small port town of Nome, Alaska, was worried. There was not enough medicine to treat diphtheria, a dangerous disease that spread easily. Dr. Welsh ordered more of the medicine, hoping it would arrive before winter. Unfortunately, the ship carrying the medicine didn’t make it in time, and the town was cut off by ice for eight months. Although there were no signs of an outbreak, Dr. Welsh was anxious.
In December, Dr. Welsh treated several children with sore throats. Although he initially ruled out diphtheria, his suspicions grew. By January 1925, his fears were confirmed when he diagnosed the first case of the disease. Nome had about 2,000 residents, but 10,000 more lived in the surrounding area, all at risk of getting sick. Dr. Welsh alerted the authorities, and an emergency committee was formed. The town was put under quarantine.
Over a million doses of the medicine were found across the country and shipped to Alaska. However, the real challenge was getting them to Nome. The port was frozen, the railroad ended 674 miles away in Nenana, and airplanes couldn’t fly in the extreme cold. The only solution was to use dog sleds. Sled dogs and their drivers, known as mushers, were the pride of Alaska and the main way to transport mail and goods.
For the “Great Serum Run” of 1925, only the best mushers were chosen. Dr. Welsh calculated that the medicine could survive no more than six days in the harsh conditions. The most famous musher was Leonhard Seppala, with his lead dog, a Siberian husky named Togo. They were known for being the fastest and toughest team.
The plan was to deliver the medicine by train to Nenana and then use a relay of dog sled teams to get it to Nome. Seppala was chosen to cover over 400 miles from Nome and back. However, more teams were added to make the journey faster, breaking it into 30-mile segments. Seppala didn’t know about this change, which almost led to disaster.
Seppala and his team took a risky shortcut across Norton Sound, a dangerous area with shifting ice. This saved a full day of travel. Despite the terrifying weather, with temperatures dropping to minus 100 degrees, they made it across safely. When Seppala was 170 miles into the race, he unexpectedly met another musher who had the medicine. The other teams were faster, and it was pure luck that they crossed paths. Seppala took the medicine and headed back.
Seppala faced a blizzard and shifting ice on the return journey. Togo, his lead dog, guided them safely through the storm. They reached the shore and continued to the next relay point. After covering over 260 miles in five days, Seppala handed the medicine to the next musher.
The final leg of the journey was completed by Gunnar Kaasen and his lead dog, Balto. They arrived in Nome on February 2nd at 5:30 a.m., and the medicine was ready to use within hours. The town celebrated their arrival, and Balto became a national hero, even receiving a statue in New York.
While Balto received much of the fame, Togo’s incredible efforts were not as widely recognized at the time. Seppala and Togo traveled across the United States, gathering cheering crowds. They eventually settled in Maine, where Togo lived out his days in love and respect. Seppala returned to Alaska to compete in the Winter Olympics, winning a silver medal. He later expressed his wish that Togo had been recognized as the true hero of the race. Over time, Togo finally received the acclaim he deserved for his bravery and determination.
Using the information from the article, create a timeline that outlines the key events of the Great Serum Run of 1925. Include dates, locations, and important figures involved. This will help you understand the sequence of events and the challenges faced during the journey.
Draw a map of Alaska and plot the route taken by the mushers during the Serum Run. Mark key locations such as Nome, Nenana, and Norton Sound. This activity will give you a visual understanding of the distance and terrain covered by the sled teams.
In groups, role-play the relay of mushers and dogs. Assign roles such as Dr. Welsh, Leonhard Seppala, Togo, and Balto. Act out the challenges and decisions made during the journey. This will help you empathize with the people and animals involved in the historic event.
Conduct research on diphtheria to understand why it was such a threat to Nome. Learn about the symptoms, how it spreads, and how the serum works to treat it. Present your findings to the class to deepen your understanding of the medical aspect of the story.
Imagine you are one of the mushers or a resident of Nome during the Serum Run. Write a diary entry describing your thoughts and feelings about the situation. Consider the urgency, the weather conditions, and the hope for the serum’s arrival. This will help you connect personally with the historical event.
Serum – A liquid that contains antibodies and is used to treat or prevent diseases. – In 1925, a life-saving serum was transported to Nome, Alaska, to stop a diphtheria outbreak.
Run – A continuous or repeated journey or effort to achieve a specific goal. – The famous serum run to Nome involved a relay of dog sled teams racing against time.
Medicine – A substance used to treat illness or improve health. – The medicine delivered during the serum run was crucial in preventing a widespread epidemic.
Diphtheria – A serious bacterial infection affecting the mucous membranes of the throat and nose. – The outbreak of diphtheria in Nome prompted the urgent need for the serum run.
Alaska – The largest state in the United States, known for its cold climate and vast wilderness. – The harsh winter conditions in Alaska made the serum run a challenging endeavor.
Mushers – People who drive dog sled teams, especially in races or expeditions. – The mushers played a critical role in the success of the serum run by navigating through severe weather.
Togo – A lead sled dog known for his role in the 1925 serum run to Nome. – Togo led his team through treacherous conditions, covering the longest and most dangerous leg of the journey.
Seppala – Leonhard Seppala, a renowned musher who played a key role in the serum run. – Seppala and his lead dog, Togo, braved the elements to deliver the serum safely.
Blizzard – A severe snowstorm with strong winds and low visibility. – The mushers faced a fierce blizzard during the serum run, making their task even more daunting.
Journey – A long and often difficult process of traveling from one place to another. – The journey to deliver the serum to Nome was filled with peril and heroism.
