Exploring the Peary Monument at Arlington Cemetery

Journey to the Peary Monument

When you visit Arlington National Cemetery and wish to pay your respects at Admiral Robert Peary's grave, you'll need to venture to the far southwestern corner of the complex. This may come as a surprise to some, but the path to the monument honoring this famous Arctic explorer is a gentle journey.

The Life and Explorations of Peary

Born in 1856 in Cresson, Pennsylvania, Peary had a courageous career, serving as an engineer for the U.S. Navy and as the chief engineer for the unfinished Nicaragua Canal. He was also the first Western explorer to set foot on the Cape York meteorite in northwest Greenland.

Peary undertook numerous expeditions to the Arctic, asserting that Greenland was an island. While his efforts to achieve the remarkable feat of being the first person to reach the North Pole are noteworthy, they also sparked significant controversy.

The Controversy with Frederick Cook

Rival explorer Frederick Cook contested Peary's claims, asserting that he reached the North Pole a year earlier in 1908. These unverified assertions highlighted a fierce rivalry between the two explorers, accompanied by intense media attention on their years-long journeys.

In September 1909, news of both discoveries reached the American press within the same week, yet the National Geographic Society recognized Peary's discovery as the first.

The Monument and Legacy

Peary passed away on February 20, 1920, and was buried at Arlington Cemetery with full military honors. Initially interred on a hillside in a cramped area of the cemetery, his grave was later moved to the far southwestern edge of the grounds.

In 1922, the National Geographic Society funded the construction of a large bronze globe marked with a star indicating the North Pole, oriented towards the north. Matthew Henson, Peary's African American assistant, was buried near the monument in 1988 to honor his contributions to the expedition.

A Guiding Motto

Inscribed on the Peary monument is the Latin motto "Inveniam Viam Aut Faciam," which translates to "I shall find a way or make one." This motto not only embodies the spirit of exploration but also reflects Peary's determination throughout his expeditions.