66 Photographs from Early Polar Expeditions
Cameron Fetter
Published
Yesterday
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Throughout history, humans have been obsessed with the icy poles of our planet, whether it’s for the advancement of science or because Santa Claus might live there.
Luckily for us, many of the polar expeditions of the past brought designated photographers with them, so we can admire the stark scenery of the Arctic and Antarctic, and the camaraderie of the intrepid explorers who decided these were smart places to go even though it was only the 1800s.
As the weather starts to warm up for spring, let these old photos send a shiver down your spine, and be glad you’re in an office chair and not a cramped bunk bed in a ship’s hold.
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1. The Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition
In 1914, explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton led the ship Endurance on an expedition to perform the first land crossing of Antarctica. Disaster struck when the Endurance became stuck in the ice throughout the Antarctic winter of 1915. When the Endurance sank, the crew salvaged lifeboats and traveled to uninhabited Elephant Island where they set up camp. Impressively, none of the crew of the Endurance died, and the last crew member was rescued in 1917. These photos were taken by Frank Hurley, the official photographer for the expedition. -
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20. Andrée’s Arctic Balloon Expedition
In 1897, Swedish explorer S. A. Andrée attempted to travel to the North Pole by hydrogen balloon along with two other explorers. He ignored many signs of danger and pushed forward with the expedition despite the risks. The balloon lost hydrogen and crashed on the ice after only two days. The three explorers were not hurt in the crash, but were not adequately prepared for the elements, and all three died while hiking toward safety. Their remains were found 33 years later in 1930, along with rolls of film containing photographs taken during the expedition. -
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35. British Arctic Expedition of 1875
In 1875, Sir George Nares led two ships on an expedition to the North Pole. The expedition was a near-disaster. During this time period, many believed the North Pole was surrounded by open water, but Nares found this not to be the case, discovering only a wasteland of ice. The crew had insufficient clothing and equipment for an Arctic winter, and nearly a third of them suffered from scurvy. The expedition turned back in 1876 and returned home to heavy criticism. -
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51. Terra Nova Expedition
The Terra Nova Expedition was an expedition to Antarctica that took place from 1910-1913. The crew of the ship Terra Nova set up camp on Cape Evans in Antarctica. Five explorers, led by Captain Robert Falcon Scott, reached the South Pole on January 17th, 1912. The entire party of five died during the return journey, and their bodies, journals, and photographs were found eight months later. -
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Replay - 66 Photographs from Early Polar Expeditions
The Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition
In 1914, explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton led the ship Endurance on an expedition to perform the first land crossing of Antarctica. Disaster struck when the Endurance became stuck in the ice throughout the Antarctic winter of 1915. When the Endurance sank, the crew salvaged lifeboats and traveled to uninhabited Elephant Island where they set up camp. Impressively, none of the crew of the Endurance died, and the last crew member was rescued in 1917. These photos were taken by Frank Hurley, the official photographer for the expedition.
In 1914, explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton led the ship Endurance on an expedition to perform the first land crossing of Antarctica. Disaster struck when the Endurance became stuck in the ice throughout the Antarctic winter of 1915. When the Endurance sank, the crew salvaged lifeboats and traveled to uninhabited Elephant Island where they set up camp. Impressively, none of the crew of the Endurance died, and the last crew member was rescued in 1917. These photos were taken by Frank Hurley, the official photographer for the expedition.
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