A rusting ore train near Nome, Alaska. The Nome Gold Rush was a gold rush in Alaska, took place between 1899-1909. It differs from other gold rushes because the gold was so easy to obtain. Much of the gold was lying in the beach sand of the landing place and could be recovered without any need for a claim. During the rush, the town of Nome was a sea port without a harbor, and the biggest town in Alaska. Photo by Jet Lowe, 1981.