Gold in Northwest Alaska

Largest Gold Nugget from Alaska - 294.10 Troy Ounces
Found near Ruby, Alaska in 1998

After the purchase of Alaska in 1863 by the United States, several government
expeditions were organized to explore the interior lands of Northwest Alaska. The
discovery of gold near the end of the 19th century led to an influx of prospectors
pursuing dreams of gold and wealth. Although some small gold claims were located
and developed in the region, it was a harsh existence for a miner and only a few
stayed. Those who stayed usually married into Native American families.