For the next thirty years, Pearys hutsnamed Fort Congerplayed an important role in several high arctic expeditions.
The remaining buildings of Fort Conger.
Photo credit:JeffAmantea/Flickr
The crew built a large house using pre-fabricated sections and named it after U.S.
Senator Omar D. Conger who had supported the expedition.
A second ship sent in 1883 also failed to reach them.
When Robert Peary reached Fort Conger 15 years later, he found the hut in chaotic abandon.
In addition, the party banked the structures with earth and turf, and then covered it with snow.
Peary returned to Fort Conger twiceonce in 1905 and again in 1908.
Other explorers too, including Edward Shackleton, used Fort Conger as a base from 1915 through 1935.
In recognition of the sites enduring importance, Pearys huts were declared Classified Federal Heritage Buildings.
The original Greelys house.
Greely Relief Expedition at Fort Conger on August 1881.
Photo credit:National Museum of the US Navy/Flickr
Fort Conger today.
Photo credit:Cory Trepanier/Flickr
Aerial view of Fort Congers extant remains in 2003.
Photo credit: T. Christie
