Brevig Mission in Nome Census Area, Alaska — Northwest

Brevig Mission Memorial Cross

1918 Influenza Pandemic

— November 15-20, 1918 —

Brevig Mission Memorial Cross image. Click for full size.

By Ned Rozell

1. Brevig Mission Memorial Cross

Inscription.
The following 72 Inupiat Eskimos are interred in this common grave. Pray, honor and remember these villagers, who lost their lives during the short span of five days, in the influenza pandemic, November 15-20, 1918.

Abeyorok, Mike, 26 • Abiikok, Clarence, 3 • Abapkok, Lanora, 17 • Ahkarassok, Eddie, 35 • Altingwouk, 45 • Alall, Alice, 23 • Anakartuk, John, 29 • Annanituk, 45 • the list continues on the brass plaque bolted on the vertical member of the white-painted cross.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Native Americans.

Location. 65° 19.94′ N, 166° 29.137′ W. Marker is in Brevig Mission in Nome Census Area, Alaska. Map coordinates are for the town, not for the cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brevig Mission AK 99785, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Also see . . . The Virus Hunters. 4 minute video.

“This historical marker honors Eskimos who are buried here in Brevig Mission, Alaska. On November 15, 1918, a horrible virus struck the entire Eskimo village. By the end of the week, 72 out of the 80 village adults had died. It was the dreaded 1918 Spanish flu! A mass gravesite was created at Brevig Mission, marked only by small white crosses on a hill. The graves were frozen in permafrost and
By Ned Rozell

2. Brevig Mission Memorial Cross
left untouched for 33 years.”

(Submitted on May 13, 2020.)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 12, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 13, 2020. This page has been viewed 76 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 13, 2020.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Correct map coordinates for the memorial cross • Can you help?