The Last Place on Earth – Amundsen, first to the South Pole
A century ago Roald Amundsen and a team of four other men became the first to reach the South Pole. The Norwegian born explorer stands alongside fellow Antarctic explorers Douglas Mawson, Robert Falcon Scott, and Ernest Shackleton. But it is Amundsen who holds the disctinction of being the first man to reach both the North and South pole.
After an initial failed attempt, Amundsen and his team took four sledges and 52 dogs and arrived at the edge of the Polar Plateau on November 21 after a four-day climb. On December 14, 1911, the team of five men, with 16 dogs, arrived at the Pole (90°00' S), beating Scott's team by 35 days.
In celebration of Amundsen's victory and the spirit of exploration, curiousity, endurance and sacrifice represented by him and his fellow explorers, staff of the Toronto Reference Library have put together a display of historical newspaper and magazine accounts of the day.
Please drop by the Toronto Star Newspaper Room, lower level, Toronto Reference Library and check out the display.
To read more on Amundsen and Polar exploration why not borrow one of these books:
Perhaps introduce your children to this exciting period in history:
Or read what Amundsen himself had to say about his experiences:
with thanks to RH
One thought on “The Last Place on Earth – Amundsen, first to the South Pole”
Thanks for this blog on Amundsen & team’s accomplishment and notes on other major explorers to the precious Antarctic continent. Coming to check out your display! We have to continue to learn from those before us and also thanks for noting books available to adults and kids.