In 1906, Robert Peary had just returned from an unsuccessful trip to the Arctic.
Back home, Peary immediately began planning for his next expedition.
But before he could do that, he had to find benefactors who would support his expedition financially.
Pearys 1906 expedition was partially funded by American businessman George Crocker who gifted $50,000 for the trip.
Hoping to extract another healthy contribution from Crocker, Peary decided to name a previously undiscovered island after him.
Map showing the approximate location of Crocker Land.
Peary, who craved for fame at any cost, was distraught.
His supporters attacked Cook and sought to discredit the doctor.
As debate over the two men’s claims raged, Crocker Land became part of the dispute.
One of Pearys backers, Donald Baxter MacMillan, proposed that they go looking for Crocker Land.
If the island could be proved to exist, it would vindicate Peary and destroy Cooks reputation for ever.
Members of the Crocker Land Expedition.
Ekblaw was the first to turn back.
He returned to the headquarters.
One by one, the rest of the party members also turned back.
Route of the Crocker Land Expedition.
The two ran into a storm during which one of the dog teams perished.
Green and Piugaattoq began to squabble over which direction to take.
When Piugaattoq tried to sneak away with the remaining dogs, Green shot and killed Piugaattoq.
Expedition member Hendrik Olsen with a loaded sledge on the ice of Foiilke Fjord in front of the headquarters.
However, he decided to turn back upon catching sight of an enormous mountain in the distance.
As it happened, Crokers Mountains too was a mirage.
