Antarctica - Important Events

Captain Cook crosses the Antarctic Circle

Jan 17, 1773

Captain Cook was the first to cross the Antarctic circle in 1773. But he did not see any land.

Adrien De Gerlache and his crew are trapped in pack ice in Antarctica

Mar 2, 1898

Adrien De Gerlache and his crew are trapped in pack ice in Antarctica but survive the experience

Robert Scott leads an expedition to Antarctica

Nov 2, 1902

Scott, Wilson and Shackleton head on a trip to Antarctica.They wanted to reach the South Pole. But they turned back because they became sick and because of the bad weather.

Roald Amundsen is the first to reach the South Pole

Dec 14, 1911

Amundsen set off to reach the North Pole but changed his mind and headed to the South Pole, beating Robert Scott. Amundsen was the first to reach the South Pole in Antarctica.

Robert Scott reaches the South Pole but is beaten by Amudensen

Jan 17, 1912

Scott reaches the South Pole but when he gets there sees that he has been beaten. Roald Amundsen got there first.

Scott and his crew die in Antarctica

Nov 17, 1912

After being beaten to the South Pole Robert Scott and his men die on the return trip. Their bodies are not discovered until November 1912.

Shackleton heads off on another expedition to Antarctica

Oct 2, 1915

Shackleton and his crew try to cross the Antarctic circle but are trapped in pack ice. Their ship sinks but Shackleton and his crew survive.