Polar Pathways: Robert E. Peary's Arctic Expeditions

After landing in McCormick Bay in 1891, Peary and his team built Red Cliff House, which they used as a base of operations. From there, the team explored the landscape. Taking notes and collecting samples of flora and fauna, the team surveyed the environment. After a series of difficult but ultimately successful sledge and boat trips throughout the area, Peary, in 1892, decided to make the hazardous trek across the unknown Inland Ice. Eventually named “The White March,” the trip was fraught with danger. Peary, accompanied by Eivind Astrup and the best sledge dogs he could find, encountered fierce storms, ice crevasses, and experienced the loss of some of his best animals. The arduous “march” to Independence Bay stands as an iconic reminder of the spirit of Peary and his companions. Quotes in this section are taken from Northward over the “Great Ice”, published in 1898 and penned by Peary.

Onward to Peary's Departure from McCormick Bay »