1872
Roald Amundsen born July 16
The Polar Legion
On December 17, 1926, “The Polar Legion” was founded at the Metropolitan Club in New York. The organization was described as one of “the most exclusive in the world,” with membership limited to those who had led an expedition to either the geographic North Pole or South Pole.
The Legion had only five members:
- Roald Amundsen
- Lincoln Ellsworth
- Richard Byrd
- Robert Peary
- Robert Falcon Scott
Of these, only Amundsen, Ellsworth, and Byrd were alive when the organization was established.
Each member received a diploma and a badge featuring an oxidized polar bear reaching for a diamond. In “My Life as an Explorer”, Amundsen wrote about the membership:
“Not least among the pleasant distinctions that have fallen to me do I count my membership in what is probably the most exclusive club in the world. This is the Polar Legion, originated on December 17, 1926, by Mr. Lincoln Ellsworth, Commander Richard E. Byrd, and myself.” 📜
Although more individuals today would qualify for membership, the Legion’s roster was never expanded.
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