Born May 12, 1880,
Chicago, Illinois
Died May 26, 1951,
New York, New York

Lincoln Ellsworth was a wealthy adventurer who became fascinated with polar air exploration. Flying in crafts that would be considered primitive by today’s standards, he was a new breed of explorer who had to deal with shifting winds, snow and ice, and several other difficulties. Crash landings and lost equipment were common hazards. Ellsworth participated in the first trans-Arctic air crossing and, in a supreme act of courage, led the first trans-Antarctic air crossing. Unconcerned with legalities, Ellsworth claimed over 300,000 square miles of territory for the United States. Although these acquisitions were never officially recognized, he named a good part of the land for his father, calling it Ellsworth Land.

Begins career as naturalist

Ellsworth was born in Chicago on May 12, 1880. His father was a wealthy mining engineer. Ellsworth also became an engineer and...