Peary and Henson Reach the North Pole
At a glance:
- Series: Great Events from History: North American Series
- Categories: Discovery, Exploration, Geography
- Subcategories: Explorers
- Curriculum: American History 1901-1950, African American History
- Geographical Location: Arctic
- Date: April 6, 1909
Article abstract: Six North American explorers become the first people to reach the geographic North Pole.
Summary of Event
European exploration of the North American Arctic regions began in the late fifteenth century, with the search for a Northwest Passage to Asia as the primary goal. By the nineteenth century, it was clear that an easily navigable northern route to Asia did not exist, and attention gradually shifted toward efforts to reach the North Pole. The race to become the first person to reach the pole was driven more by the challenge involved...
[The entire page is 1530 words long]