Robert Bartlett (explorer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Bartlett
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 15 August 1875 Brigus, Colony of Newfoundland
|
| Died | 28 April 1946 (aged 70) New York City, U.S.
|
| Occupation | Maritime explorer, navigator |
| Title | Captain |
| Parent(s) |
|
| Awards |
|
Robert "Bob" Abram Bartlett (born August 15, 1875 – died April 28, 1946) was a brave explorer from Newfoundland. He became an American citizen and spent his life exploring the Arctic regions in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He was known for his amazing skills as a navigator and sea captain.
Contents
Early Life of Robert Bartlett
Robert Bartlett was born in Brigus, which was then called the Colony of Newfoundland. He was the oldest of ten children. His parents were William James Bartlett and Mary J. Leamon.
His family had a long history of working on ships. Robert grew up in a house called Hawthorne Cottage in Brigus. By the time he was 17, he was already in charge of his first ship. This started his lifelong love for the Arctic.
Robert Bartlett's Career as an Explorer
Captain Bartlett spent over 50 years exploring and mapping the cold waters of the Far North. He led more than 40 expeditions to the Arctic. This is more than anyone else before or since.
Exploring with Robert Peary
Bartlett was the captain of the ship SS Roosevelt. He joined United States Navy Commander Robert Peary on his trips to reach the North Pole. Bartlett was given the Hubbard Medal by the National Geographic Society. This was for clearing a path through the frozen Arctic Sea. He got within 150 miles of the North Pole.
However, he was not part of the final group that reached the pole. Some people think this was because of a friendly competition between him and Peary. Bartlett took a ship and was the first person to sail north of 88° N latitude.
The Karluk Expedition Rescue
In 1914, Bartlett showed great leadership during the difficult Karluk Expedition. The leader, Vilhjalmur Stefansson, left the expedition. This left many people stranded.
Bartlett helped save most of the people who were stuck. After being stranded for months, Bartlett and an Inuit hunter named Kataktovik walked 700 miles. They traveled over the ice of the Chukchi Sea and across Siberia. Then, Bartlett organized a rescue mission from Alaska. He saved his friends who were still on Wrangel Island.
He received a top award from the Royal Geographical Society for his bravery. Even though he was popular, he later faced questions about his decisions. This included taking the Karluk into the Arctic. He was also questioned for allowing a group of four men to leave the main party. These four men later died. However, they had signed a letter saying the captain was not responsible.
Other Arctic Adventures
In 1917, Bartlett helped rescue members of Donald Baxter MacMillan's Crocker Land Expedition. They had been stuck on the ice for four years.
From 1925 to 1945, Bartlett commanded his own schooner, the Effie M. Morrissey. He led many important science trips to the Arctic. These trips were supported by American museums, the Explorers Club, and the National Geographic Society. He also helped the United States Government map the Arctic during World War II.
Bartlett in Film
In 1931, Bartlett acted in a movie called The Viking. He played Captain Barker. The film was about a sealing ship in Newfoundland. It was filmed on location. During the filming of some action scenes, the ship used for filming exploded. Sadly, 28 men died. Despite this, the movie was still released. In the film, Bartlett's character was proud of never losing a man.
Later Life and Death
Captain Bartlett passed away at age 70 in a New York City hospital. He died from pneumonia. He was buried in his hometown of Brigus, Newfoundland and Labrador. His childhood home, Hawthorne Cottage, is now a National Historic Site of Canada.
Awards and Honors
In 1909, Bartlett received the Hubbard Medal from the National Geographic Society. This medal is given for great achievements in exploration, discovery, and research.
In 1927, the Boy Scouts of America made Bartlett an Honorary Scout. This was a new award created that year. It was given to "American citizens whose achievements in outdoor activity, exploration and worthwhile adventure are of such an exceptional character as to capture the imagination of boys." Other famous people who received this award included Richard E. Byrd, Charles Lindbergh, and Orville Wright.
He was also given an Honorary Fellowship from the American Geographical Society in 1918. In 1925, he received its Daly Medal. In 1944, he was awarded the Peary Polar Expedition Medal.
The Canadian Coast Guard vessel CCGS Bartlett is named after him. Canada Post also honored Bartlett on a Canadian postage stamp. It was released on July 10, 2009.
Images for kids
-
Captain Robert Bartlett
-
Captain Robert Bartlett and Robert Peary, standing on ship, Battle Harbour, Labrador in 1909
See also
In Spanish: Robert Bartlett para niños
