Explorer. Born at Callicoon Depot, New York, he was a physician whom became interested in the arctic and accompanied the expedition of Robert E. Peary in 1891, as surgeon. He accompanied the Belgian expedition to Antarctica in 1897 and made other polar voyages in 1898 to 1900. In 1907, he set out with an expedition for the arctic and claimed that he was the first to reach the North Pole on April 21, 1908. A year later Peary announced that he had reached the Pole first in April 1909 and accused Cook of fraud. The argument started one of the most publicized controversies, with Cook filing several libel suits fighting for vindication of his polar claim. He was supported by some well-known explorers as well as some ardent admirers giving him the credit of discovering the North Pole, despite public view.
Explorer. Born at Callicoon Depot, New York, he was a physician whom became interested in the arctic and accompanied the expedition of Robert E. Peary in 1891, as surgeon. He accompanied the Belgian expedition to Antarctica in 1897 and made other polar voyages in 1898 to 1900. In 1907, he set out with an expedition for the arctic and claimed that he was the first to reach the North Pole on April 21, 1908. A year later Peary announced that he had reached the Pole first in April 1909 and accused Cook of fraud. The argument started one of the most publicized controversies, with Cook filing several libel suits fighting for vindication of his polar claim. He was supported by some well-known explorers as well as some ardent admirers giving him the credit of discovering the North Pole, despite public view.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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