Robert Peary

Robert Peary (May 6, 1856 - February 20, 1920) was an American explorer who is usually credited as the first person to reach the Geographic North Pole on April 6, 1909 or on April 16, 1909. However the only evidence that supported his claim were his journals. In 1996, a copy of Peary's personal record was discovered and using these documents it was shown that Peary was at least 20 miles (32 km) short of the North Pole.

He set off with 23 men on July 6, 1908, but by the time he reached the North Pole only five of his men, Matthew Henson, Oatah, Egingwah, Seegloo, and Ookeah, remained.

He was also the author of several books, the most famous being Northward over the Great Ice (1898) and Nearest the Pole (1907). About his travel to the North Pole there is made the movie Glory & Honor (2000) from Kevin Hooks.

He was a graduate of Bowdoin College, Maine.

He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, next to Matthew Henson.