The Franklin Expedition: A History

The Franklin Expedition (1845) was a British voyage aimed at navigating the Northwest Passage, a sea route through the Arctic. Led by Sir John Franklin, the two ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, became icebound in Canada’s Arctic Archipelago. The crew was stranded in harsh conditions, and despite rescue efforts over years, all crew members perished. The expedition's fate remained a mystery for decades until explorers discovered wrecks and artifacts. The tragedy highlighted the dangers of Arctic exploration, contributed to increased geographic knowledge, and underscored the perilous nature of 19th-century polar endeavors.