History of Antarctica

James Cook crosses the Antarctic circle

Jan 1, 1773

But he did not sight land

First Sighting of the Continent

Jan 27, 1820

Captain Thaddeus Bellingshausen, a Russian naval officer in Vostok and Mirny made the first sighting of the continent.

First Known Landing

Feb 7, 1821

By American sealer Captain John Davis, though this is not acknowledged by all historians.

Discovery of Weddell Sea

Jan 1, 1823

British whaler James Weddell dscovers the sea named after him. No one manages to reach the Weddell sea again for 80 years.

First landing on continental Antarctica

Jan 1, 1899

Carsten Borchgrevink leads a British expedition that landed at Cape Adare and built huts.

Doulgas Mawson reached the South Magnetic Pole

Jan 16, 1909

Roald Amundsen reached South Pole

Dec 14, 1911

Antarctica Treaty came into effect

Jun 23, 1961