Once the much-needed antitoxin had been located, its transport to the middle of nowhere raised a new pressing problem. Winter storms had isolated the icebound town of Nome; the use of planes with open cockpits and water-cooled engines could prove disastrous in such conditions. The only way to transport the serum safely was by sled team. The nearest city with railroad access was over 650 miles from Nome, and would be the starting point of the overland trek. A relay of over twenty dog sledding teams was organized to rush the serum to the stricken outpost. Spread along the postal route, the teams were headed by the region's best mushers. | Source: Library of CongressDownload Original File
