Robert Peary
1856–1920 · American (Pennsylvania) · Heroic Age of Exploration
Known for: Claimed to be the first person to reach the North Pole in 1909—a claim that's been disputed for over a century
Peary was a US Navy civil engineer who made eight Arctic expeditions over 23 years, all aimed at reaching the North Pole. He lost eight toes to frostbite and was obsessive, arrogant, and ruthlessly ambitious. He relied heavily on Matthew Henson and Inuit guides but took full credit.
His 1909 North Pole claim was disputed by Frederick Cook and by later analysis suggesting Peary may not have actually reached the exact Pole. He fathered at least two children with Inuit women. He was awarded the rank of Rear Admiral by Congress despite the controversy.
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