Overland Expedition facts for kids

The Overland Expedition was an amazing and brave journey that happened in 1897 and 1898. It was a rescue mission to save over 250 whalers who were stuck in the freezing Arctic Ocean. Their ships were trapped by thick ice.

This daring rescue was led by three officers from the United States Coast Guard (which was called the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service back then). They also had help from two regular people. They used sled dogs and reindeer to travel across the icy land.

The Great Arctic Rescue Mission

Why the Whalers Needed Help

In October 1897, news reached the United States that many whaling ships were likely lost in the Arctic. This meant that nearly 300 sailors and officers were in danger. They could have starved if help didn't reach them by spring.

These whalers were stuck far away, in a place called Point Barrow, Alaska. The ice had closed in around their ships, making it impossible for them to move. They were running out of food and supplies.

President McKinley's Call to Action

When U.S. President William McKinley heard about the trapped whalers, he knew he had to act fast. He ordered a special rescue mission to be put together. This mission would travel by land, bringing help to the stranded sailors.

President McKinley later wrote to the United States Congress about this heroic effort. He asked them to give special awards to the officers and to pay the civilians who helped. He wanted everyone to remember their bravery.

The Brave Rescuers

The Overland Expedition was made up of several brave volunteers.

• First Lieutenant David H. Jarvis was in charge.
• Second Lieutenant Ellsworth P. Bertholf was also a key leader.
• Dr. Samuel J. Call was the surgeon from the ship Bear.

These officers were helped a lot by two civilians:

• Mr. W.T. Lopp, who worked for a missionary group at Cape Prince of Wales.
• Artisarlook, a local native person from that area.

Both Mr. Lopp and Artisarlook made big sacrifices. They left their families to join the expedition and help guide the reindeer herd.

A Journey Through the Ice and Snow

The rescue team faced an incredibly difficult and dangerous journey. They traveled almost 2,000 miles across the frozen Arctic. They battled terrible storms and bitter cold during the long winter.

They started their journey from Cape Vancouver on the Alaskan coast of the Bering Sea. They had to move quickly to reach the whalers before it was too late. The expedition relied on sled dogs and a herd of reindeer to carry supplies and help them travel.

Reaching Point Barrow

After three months and twelve days of non-stop travel, the expedition finally reached Point Barrow. This was on March 29, 1898. They arrived just in time!

The whalers they found were in a very bad state. Many were sick because of poor living conditions and not enough proper food. The rescue team brought them much-needed supplies and medical help.

Heroes Honored

President McKinley was very proud of the rescue team. He asked Congress to give special honors to the officers and pay the civilians.

• Lieutenants Jarvis and Bertholf, and Dr. Call, were given Congressional Gold Medals. These medals were to remember their heroic efforts in helping their fellow humans who were suffering.
• A sum of $2,500 was set aside to reward W.T. Lopp, Artisarlook, and other native herders. They had provided important help to the relief expedition.

This expedition is remembered as a great example of courage and teamwork in the face of extreme challenges.