# Robert Peary

> explorer from the United States (1856–1920)

**Wikidata**: [Q186585](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q186585)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Peary)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/robert-peary

## Summary
Robert Peary was an American explorer and military officer active from 1856 to 1920. He is recognized for his extensive work as a researcher and explorer in polar regions, as well as his contributions to science fiction writing and botanical collecting. A member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society and a graduate of Bowdoin College, Peary received numerous prestigious geographical awards for his achievements.

## Biography
- **Born:** May 6, 1856
- **Nationality:** United States
- **Education:** Bowdoin College
- **Known for:** Exploration of polar regions, military service, and research
- **Employer(s):** United States (Military service)
- **Field(s):** Polar regions, exploration, research

## Contributions
Robert Peary's work is defined by his exploration and research in polar regions, where he operated from 1881 until his death in 1920. His career spanned multiple disciplines, serving as a military officer, a researcher, a botanical collector, and a science fiction writer. His legacy includes the naming of geographical features and landmarks in his honor, such as Peary Land in Greenland and a lunar crater named "Peary." Additionally, the United States Navy commissioned a Knox-class frigate, the USS Robert E. Peary, in 1971, bearing his name.

## FAQs
**What was Robert Peary's profession?**
Robert Peary held multiple occupations throughout his career, primarily known as an explorer and military officer. He also worked as a researcher, a science fiction writer, and a botanical collector.

**Where did Robert Peary receive his education?**
Peary attended Bowdoin College, a private liberal arts college in Brunswick, Maine. He was also a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, an honor society for the liberal arts and sciences in the United States.

**What awards did Robert Peary receive?**
He received numerous awards for his exploration work, including the Hubbard Medal from the National Geographic Society, the Cullum Geographical Medal, and the Charles P. Daly Medal from the American Geographical Society. International recognition included the Patron’s Medal and Livingstone Medal from the Royal Geographical Society, the Grande Médaille d'Or des Explorations from France, and the rank of Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour.

**What entities are named after Robert Peary?**
Several geographic and military entities bear his name, including Peary Land, a peninsula in Greenland, and Peary, a lunar impact crater. The USS Robert E. Peary, a 1971 Knox-class frigate, was also named in his honor.

**When was Robert Peary active?**
Peary's work period began in 1861 and continued until 1920. He was born on May 6, 1856, and passed away on February 20, 1920.

## Why They Matter
Robert Peary is a significant figure in the history of polar exploration and geographical research. His work earned him the highest honors from major geographical societies in the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, highlighting the international impact of his expeditions. Beyond his exploration, Peary's diverse career as a military officer, science fiction writer, and botanical collector illustrates a broad contribution to science and culture. The enduring recognition of his name in geography—from peninsulas in Greenland to craters on the moon—demonstrates his lasting influence on our understanding of the world's polar regions.

## Notable For
- **Awards:** Recipient of the Hubbard Medal, Cullum Geographical Medal, Charles P. Daly Medal, Patron’s Medal, Livingstone Medal, Grande Médaille d'Or des Explorations, and Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour.
- **Geographic Namesakes:** Peary Land (Greenland) and Peary (lunar crater).
- **Military Namesake:** USS Robert E. Peary (1971 Knox-class frigate).
- **Memberships:** Phi Beta Kappa Society.
- **Occupations:** Unique combination of roles including explorer, military officer, science fiction writer, and botanical collector.
- **Education:** Alumnus of Bowdoin College.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Robert Edwin Peary was born on May 6, 1856, in the United States. He pursued higher education at Bowdoin College, a private liberal arts college located in Brunswick, Maine. During his academic career, he demonstrated excellence that led to his membership in the Phi Beta Kappa Society, the nation's oldest honor society for the liberal arts and sciences.

### Career and Occupations
Peary's professional life was characterized by a diverse range of occupations and a long period of activity spanning from 1861 to 1920. He served as a military officer in the United States, which provided the structure and support for his later expeditions. Simultaneously, he established himself as an explorer, focusing his efforts on the polar regions. His work was not limited to exploration; he was also a dedicated researcher and a botanical collector, contributing to the scientific understanding of the flora and environments he encountered. Uniquely, Peary also engaged in the arts as a science fiction writer.

### Exploration and Field Work
The primary focus of Peary's career was the exploration of polar regions. His field of work is explicitly categorized under polar regions, indicating his dedication to navigating and studying these extreme environments. This work garnered him significant attention within the scientific community and established his reputation as a leading explorer of his time.

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Peary accumulated a substantial list of prestigious awards reflecting the global impact of his work.
- **Hubbard Medal:** Awarded by the National Geographic Society for distinction in exploration, discovery, and research.
- **Cullum Geographical Medal:** An American award recognizing geographical achievements.
- **Charles P. Daly Medal:** Conferred by the American Geographical Society.
- **Patron’s Medal:** A high honor from the Royal Geographical Society.
- **Livingstone Medal:** Another award from the Royal Geographical Society in England.
- **Grande Médaille d'Or des Explorations:** A French geography award established in 1829.
- **Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour:** The fourth rank of the French Legion of Honour.

### Legacy and Namesakes
Peary's influence extended beyond his lifetime through the naming of various landmarks and vessels.
- **Peary Land:** A prominent peninsula in Greenland named in association with his work.
- **Peary:** A lunar impact crater that bears his name.
- **USS Robert E. Peary:** A Knox-class frigate commissioned in 1971, named in his honor.

### Bibliographic and Archival Data
Robert Peary is widely cataloged in academic and library systems around the world. He is identified by numerous authority control numbers, including:
- **VIAF:** 34499743
- **ISNI:** 0000000083710497
- **LCCN:** n50049394
- **GND:** 118739778
- **BNF:** 12177409z
These identifiers ensure his work and biography are accessible across international databases, including the Library of Congress, the Bibliothèque nationale de France, and the National Diet Library.

## References

1. Find a Grave
2. Integrated Authority File
3. BnF authorities
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8. [Source](https://www.allthingspolar.com/medals)
9. [Source](https://americangeo.org/honors/medals-and-awards/cullum-geographical-medal/)
10. [Source](https://americangeo.org/honors/medals-and-awards/charles-p-daly-medal/)
11. [Source](https://www.nytimes.com/1913/06/10/archives/peary-gets-grand-cross-president-poincare-confers-decoration-of.html)
12. [Source](https://www.rsgs.org/livingstone-medal)
13. International Standard Name Identifier
14. Virtual International Authority File
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17. [Source](https://archivalcollections.library.mcgill.ca/index.php/robert-w-peary-fonds)
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27. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index13.html)
28. [Source](https://data.library.amnh.org/archives-authorities/id/amnhc_2000027)
29. [Source](https://www.heritage.nf.ca/articles/exploration/north-pole.php)
30. CONOR.SI
31. [Source](http://purl.org/pressemappe20/beaconlist/pe)
32. [Source](https://art.nelson-atkins.org/people/10403/robert-peary;jsessionid=4A0A8B38E82466FE0C160CB65F32D6DD)
33. [Source](https://www.gallery.ca/collection/artwork/a-scene-in-the-walrus-hunt)
34. [Bionomia](https://bionomia.net/dataset/d415c253-4d61-4459-9d25-4015b9084fb0)
35. [Bionomia](https://bionomia.net/dataset/861e6afe-f762-11e1-a439-00145eb45e9a)
36. [Geographicus Rare Antique Maps biographical dictionary of cartographers](https://www.geographicus.com/P/RareMaps/pearyrobert)
37. Catalogo of the National Library of India