Central Park West Historic District in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Balto
The Sled Dogs
Photographed By F. Robby, October 17, 2009
1. Balto Marker
Dedicated to the indomitable spirit of The Sled Dogs that relayed antitoxins six hundred miles over rough ice across treacherous waters through arctic blizzards from Nenana to the relief of stricken Nome in the winter of 1925.
Endurance, Fidelity, Intelligence
Erected 1925.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Heroes • Roads & Vehicles • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1925.
Location. 40° 46.192′ N, 73° 58.261′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in the Central Park West Historic District. Marker can be reached from East Drive, 0.2 miles north of Central Park Driveway, on the right when traveling north. Marker is on footpath near East Drive and 67th Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New York NY 10021, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Welcome to the Dene Slope (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Welcome to the Dene Slope (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); William Shakespeare (about 400 feet away); Robert Burns Statue (about 400 feet away); Sir Walter Scott (about 400 feet away); William John Liebig
this page online
Regarding Balto. In January 1925, the city of Nome, Alaska experienced an outbreak of diphtheria. The last musher, Gunnar Kasson, and his team lead by Balto, a black and white Alaskan malamute, raced over the frozen tundra in only five days and seven hours – a world record time. Within days after the arrival of the serum, the epidemic, which had claimed five lives, was over. "I couldn't see the trail. Many times I couldn't even see my dogs, so blinding was the gale. I gave Balto, my lead dog, his head and trusted him. He never once faltered. It was Balto who led the way. The credit is his."
Balto is the subject of several books and an animated film. He was the lead dog of the last sled team. Togo was the lead dog of longest run in the relay.
Also see . . .
1. Balto. New York City Department of Parks & Recreation (Submitted on October 18, 2009, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland.)
2. Balto - The Dog, The Statue and the Disgrace. "Daytonian in Manhattan" entry. (Submitted on March 20, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By F. Robby, October 17, 2009
2. Balto Sculpture
BALTO is inscribed at the foot of the sculpture.
Photographed By F. Robby, October 17, 2009
3. Balto Monument
Photographed By F. Robby, October 17, 2009
4. Balto Monument
photo by Luke Scarano, 2008
5. Balto, taxidermied and on display at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History
BALTO: The hero dog of Nome, Alaska
How did Balto end up in Cleveland?
Link below:
Click for more information.
How did Balto end up in Cleveland?
Link below:
Click for more information.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2009, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,589 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 18, 2009, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. 5. submitted on August 12, 2015, by Steve Masler of Memphis, Tennessee.
