Image of Alaska Nellie and her trophies, Lawing, Alaska, n.d. 
Anchorage Museum, Fred Henton Collection, B1965.18.741 

One of the most celebrated outdoorswomen in Alaska’s history is Nellie Neal-Lawing, known as “Alaska Nellie.” She was an accomplished hunter and guide, and the first woman employed by the US government in Alaska, contracted to supply lodging and food to railroad workers.  

Neal-Lawing operated two roadhouses, one at Grandview, north of Seward, and another at Curry, north of Wasilla. A third, near Kenai Lake, Neal-Lawling turned into a museum to display her hunting trophies and memorabilia. She kept a record of all visitors to her museum, numbering over 15,000 at her time of death. The list included two US presidents, the crown prince of Bulgaria, and numerous movie stars.