Alaska's Geographical Regions
Northwest Alaska
The Norton Sound was explored and mapped by Captain Cook in 1778.
This region is characterized by long cold winters and short summers. Nome is the principal trading center. In the early 1900's, Nomewas reached by direct steamers from Seattle during the four summer months, the only period when ice conditions in the Bering Sea will permit navigation. Today, regular air service is available throughout the year.
The large Native Eskimo population relies, for the most part, on its own primitive means for existence. The introduction of the snowmobile in recent years has significantly altered the lives of the Eskimos in this remote region.
Nome, Unalakleet, Little Diomede Island, St. Lawrence Island and St. Michaels are located in this region.
