Bundle up it your warmest gear, because today we head to Alaska to discover the roots of the Iditarod National Historic Trail. Currently most infamous for “The Last Great Race on Earth” this trail was blazed by courageous people and our most loyal companions. The Iditarod is synonymous with sled dogs, but you may be surprised to learn the origin story you remember – isn’t entirely accurate. Come along as we uncover the true story of the Iditarod and celebrate its underdogs – both human and animal. We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe from wherever you’re listening to NPAD! Become part of our Outsider family on Patreon to gain access to ad-free episode, bonus content and more. Follow our socials Instagram, Facebook , and Twitter. To share a Trail Tale, suggest a story, access merch and browse our book recommendations - head over to our website. Thank you so much to our partners, check them out! Factor: Get $120 off when you use our link and code npad120 Feals: Code NPAD for 50% off your first order with free shipping Peloton: Keep your workouts fresh with Peloton RedHanded: Subscribe to RedHanded wherever you listen to podcasts Sources Bureau of Land Management, Alaska Geographic, History, BBC, Wikipedia, Wikipedia (2), Alaska Sports Halls of Fame
History is an ever-changing record, dependent on the information that was documented and interpreted. It is important to remain open to new information that can shift our understanding and make space for forgotten figures to step forward to receive recognition.
The speaker mentions their surprise at people not knowing what the Iditarod was, recommends visiting a cave, talks about the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and corrects their previous mistake in pronouncing its name.
The hosts discuss the infamous Columbine High School Massacre, which had a significant impact on American culture through the following years.
The roadhouses and dog barns built every 20-30 miles along the Iditarod Trail allowed for easier travel for sled dog teams and helped with the transport of over 65 tons of gold. The trail is now famous for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, but it lost demand with the arrival of planes and World War I.
In 1925, an outbreak of diphtheria swept through the small town of Nome, Alaska, causing mass panic and resulting in the town being quarantined. Though the town only had a population of 1,400 at the time, the surrounding areas and villages brought the total number of people affected to about 10,000.
The serum run of 1925 was a historic event where dog sled teams carrying medicine raced across Alaska to deliver diphtheria antitoxin to Nome. This episode discusses the risks and challenges they faced and how this event impacted public health and transportation systems in Alaska.
This episode tells the inspiring story of Togo, a sled dog that embarked on an incredible journey to deliver life-saving medicine to the people of Nome, Alaska during a deadly diphtheria outbreak. Against all odds, Togo proved to be a true hero and one of the greatest sled dogs of all time.
Togo, a Siberian sled dog, played a critical role in the Serum Run to Nome in 1925, but it was Balto who gained international recognition as the hero. Togo retired in Maine where he was bred and his offspring became the foundation of the Sepulah Siberian sled dog line.
The history of the Iditarod race from its origins in 1973 to the controversy surrounding the treatment of dogs. Togo, a sled dog who was instrumental in delivering serum to Nome during a diphtheria outbreak in 1925 is recognized as a hero.
The speaker explains the inaccuracies in the popular story of Balto and sheds light on the lesser-known true hero of the serum run, Togo. Despite being a smaller and older dog, Togo led his team on the longest and most treacherous part of the journey.
The hosts invite listeners to join them for a deep dive into the Crescent Hotel with a special discount code available in the show notes.