Antarctic Explorers

Antarctic exploration

Period: Feb 1, 1821 to Jan 20, 1997

First Landing on Antarctica by John Davis

Feb 7, 1821

First known landing on Antarctica by sealer John Davis, although not acknowledged by all historians

For the first time party of men spends winter on Antarctica

Aug 26, 1821

An officer and ten men from a British sealing ship, the Lord Melville have to spend winter on King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula

James weddel discovers the sea named after him and reaches the most southern point at the time. No one penetrates the Weddell Sea for 80 years

Apr 7, 1823

Seperate British, French and American expeditions establish Antarctica as a continent

Apr 12, 1840

Captain Scott leads his first expedition to Antarctica to try to reach the South Pole with Ernest Shackleton and Edward Wilson. They are forced two turn back after two months because of snow blindness and scurvy.

Apr 5, 1902

1907-1909 Shackleton leads expedition to Antarctica and makes it to within 156km of the South Pole. Have to turn back because the supplies become exhausted.

Apr 5, 1908

Sir Douglas Mawson reaches South Magnetic Pole.

Jan 5, 1909

Norwegian Roald Amundsen leads an expedition of five and becomes first man to reach the South Pole

Dec 14, 1911

Australian Sir George Wilkins and American Carl Benjiman Eielson become the first to fly over Antarctica.

Apr 5, 1928

Antarctic treaty comes into affect.

Apr 5, 1961

Boerge Ousland becomes first person to cross Antarctica unsupported.

Jan 18, 1997