Antarctica Exploration Timeline Felicity By Felicity Nguyen Jan 1, 1773 Captain Cook and his crew became the first men to cross the Antarctic Circle. Jan 1, 1821 John Davis arguably became the first person to land on the continent. Period: Jan 1, 1901 to Jan 2, 1902 Scott and Shackleton tried to walk to the continent but were unsuccessful. Jul 1, 1911 Race to the South Pole! Amundsen was the first successful person to go there. Jan 1, 1912 Scott died on his way back to his ship. Aug 8, 1914 Shackleton and his crew sailed from England to Antarctica before WW1 starts. Oct 30, 1915 A walk across the ice to distant land begins. Jan 1, 1917 Shackleton returns home to England. Jan 1, 1940 The first permenant settlement happened. Jan 1, 1987 The first baby born in Antarctica.