CHAPTER I 



INTRODUCTION 



"Arctic history has suffered from prejudice as well as ignorance — the two 

 greatest hindrances to all progress." — Hayes. 



HISTORICAL BACKGROUND 



The story of polar exploration and discovery is largely a naval 

 and maritime one. The first recorded voyage to the Arctic was 

 that of Pytheas of Massilia around 330 B. C. From the earliest 

 time through the nineteenth century the emphasis was upon geo- 

 graphic exploration, chiefly the search for the northeast and north- 

 west passages which would be shorter trade routes from Europe 

 to the Orient. Only since the first decade of the twentieth century 

 has the emphasis been shifted to scientific discovery, exploration 

 and exploitation of resources, and strategic development. 



The United States Navy has engaged in this work for over 

 a hundred years — since Admiral Wilkes' long journey to East Ant- 

 arctica in 1839-40. The names of Wilkes, DeLong, De Haven, 

 Kane, Schley, Peary, Byrd — all naval officers — are prominent in 

 the history of the polar regions. Here are listed some of the 

 highlights of these endeavors : 



1 



