North Pole attempt

Robert Peary · 1908 CE – 1909 CE · Earth

Be first to the North Pole.

Historical context

The North Pole became a prize of national prestige in the early twentieth century, pursued by rival Americans. Peary's claim, like Cook's, has never been conclusively settled.

The voyage, step by step

1. The last winter quarters

   1908 CE

   At fifty-two, on his eighth Arctic expedition, Peary lays up the Roosevelt on the Lincoln Sea coast.

2. The last departure

   1908 CE

   Peary's expedition leaves Cape Columbia for a final polar attempt.

3. The Peary system

   1909 CE

   Division after division breaks trail, caches food and turns back, feeding the leading team forward.

4. Bartlett turns back

   1909 CE

   At 87°47′ north the captain who broke most of the trail is sent home, and no trained navigator goes on.

5. The final dash

   1909 CE

   With Henson and four Inuit companions, he drives north on the last stretch.

6. The claim

   6 April 1909

   He reports reaching the pole on 6 April 1909, a claim still debated.

Outcome

Reported reaching the pole on 6 April 1909.

Robert Peary

American naval officer who claimed to be the first person to reach the North Pole, in 1909.

Read on Wikipedia

Sources

• Robert Peary — Wikipedia

Continue exploring

• North Pole expeditionMatthew Henson · 1908 CE – 1909 CE
• South Pole expeditionRoald Amundsen · 1910 CE – 1911 CE
• Terra Nova expeditionRobert Falcon Scott · 1910 CE – 1912 CE
• Northwest PassageRoald Amundsen · 1903 CE – 1906 CE