Polar Pathways: Robert E. Peary's Arctic Expeditions
1893- Popular Interest
Although the Kite’s 1891 departure for Greenland received crowds of well-wishers, popular support and interest were enormous at the 1893 departure. Well-wishers flocked to the Falcon. They were able to climb aboard, explore the ship, meet the sled dogs, and view a sampling of the equipment. This popular interest reflected the growing obsession with northern exploration around the turn of the century.
“[In Boston] for two days, from early morning till late in the evening, crowds of interested Bostonian clambered over the ship, left presents, souvenirs, and cards on board, or, lacking these, wrote God-speed and wishes for success in every available nook and corner.” - Robert E. Peary, Northward over the Great Ice, published in 1898
