Adolphus Greely
Adolphus Washington Greely was a United States Army officer and polar explorer known for leading a scientific expedition to the Arctic in 1881-1884.
Explorer
March 27, 1844
Aries
October 20, 1935
91
Newburyport, Massachusetts
Adolphus Washington Greely was a distinguished United States Army officer and renowned polar explorer. He gained recognition for spearheading the Lady Franklin Bay Expedition in 1881, a scientific mission to the Arctic. Despite confronting starvation and harsh weather conditions, Greely’s exceptional leadership and bravery were highly commended. Throughout the expedition, he explored vast areas of Ellesmere Island in Canada and the coast of Greenland, setting a contemporary record. Among Greely’s notable accomplishments were achieving the rank of major general, being awarded the Medal of Honor, and serving in the Union Army during the Civil War. Additionally, he held the position of commander for the U.S. Army’s Pacific Division.