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Birth
Robert E. Peary was born on May 6, 1856 to Charles N. and Mary P. Peary. -
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Robert E. Peary's Life
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Joining the U.S. Navy
Robert E. Peary joined the United States Navy on October 26, 1881. He was commissioned as a civil engineer with the rank of a lieutenant. -
First Expedition
Robert E. Peary began his first arctic expedition in 1886. -
Arriving in Godhaven
After sailing on a Whaler, Robert E. Peary arrived in Godhaven where he would begin his first expedition. -
Surrveying Routes
After arriving back in Washington D.C., Peary was ordered to survey likely routes for a proposed Nicaragua Canal. -
First Wife
On August 11, 1888, Robert E. Peary married Josephine Diebitsch. -
Second Expedition
On this expedition, Robert E. Peary returned to Greenland for a second time. He traveled farther north this time, rather that traveling east to west. Also on this trip were: Matthew Henson, Dr. Frederick A. Cook, Eivind Astrup, Langdon Gibson, and John M. Verhoeff. -
Second Expedition
On June 6, 1891, Robert E. Peary and his party set sail on the seal hunting ship, SS Kite. -
Second Expedition
On the same day, Robert E. Peary's leg was broken by an iron tiller onboard the ship. -
Second Expedition
Robert E. Peary's leg healed. -
Second Expedition
Robert E. Peary finally set out again on the intended trip after his leg healed. -
Third Expedition
Robert E. Peary explored the Axel Heiberg Land. -
Promotion
Robert E. Peary was promoted to Lieutenant Commander on January 5, 1901 -
Promotion
Robert E. Peary was promoted to Commander on April 6, 1902. -
Fourth Expediton
On April 20, Robert E. Peary traveled to 86°30' latitude. The next day he traveled to 87°06', achieving the "Farthest North" World Record. -
Fourth Expedition
On April 20, Robert E. Peary traveled to 86°30' latitude. The next day he traveled to 87°06', achieving the "Farthest North" World Record. -
Fifth and Final Expedition
On July 6, 1908-1909, Robert E. Peary and 23 men, including Ross Gilmore Marvin, set out aboard the SS Roosevelt to find the North Pole. -
Explorers Club
1909-1911 Robert E. Peary served as president in The Explorers Club. -
Fifth and Final Expedition
On July 6, 1908-1909, Robert E. Peary and 23 men, including Ross Gilmore Marvin, set out aboard the SS Roosevelt to find the North Pole. -
Promotion
On October 20, 1910, Robert E. Peary was promoted to the rank of Captain in the US Navy. -
Thanks of Congress
Robert E. Peary was finally recognized for having successfully reached the North Pole first before anybody else. -
Promotion
Because of the Thanks of Congress, Robert E. Peary was promoted to Rear Admiral in the US Navy. He retired the same day that he was promoted. -
The Explorers Club
1913-1916 Robert E. Peary served as president in The Explorers Club. -
NACPC
In early 1916, Robert E. Peary became chairman of the National Aerial Coast Patrol Commission. The NACPC advocated the use of aircraft in detecting warships and submarines off the U.S. coast. -
Death
On February 20, 1920, Rear Admiral Robert E. Peary died in Washington D.C.. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. -
Death
More than 60 years later, Robert E. Peary's companion, Mattew Henson, was honored by being re-interred nearby in Arlington National Cemetery on April 6, 1988.