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With the Arctic Discoveries  Up To The Explorations of 1854

This remarkable map of the arctic regions provides a detailed account of early explorations of the Alaskan and Canadian Arctic. Enhanced with insets providing additional details of Russian America and Captain Franklin's journey, the map offers a comprehensive illustration of mid-19th-century Arctic expeditions and explorations. 

The map was prepared in the wake of the disappearance of Sir John Franklin and his crew during his 1845 expedition, which sparked an unprecedented series of search missions, many of which are reflected in the voyages mapped here. The expeditions of Ross, Back, Dease & Simpson, and Rae all played roles in either the search or expansion of knowledge that might have led to Franklin’s discovery. The overlapping routes demonstrate the growing urgency and commitment to uncovering the mystery, with Rae’s explorations in particular later uncovering critical evidence, including Inuit accounts, that provided the first clues about Franklin’s fate.

The map meticulously illustrates the Arctic regions, with particular emphasis on the documented voyages and discoveries up until the mid-19th century. The map showcases the progression of exploration along the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, Greenland, and adjacent regions.  

Initially published in 1851, the map was updated several times.  The following explorations were shown in the first state:

1. Parry (1819-1824): Led by Captain William Edward Parry, this series of voyages aimed to navigate the Northwest Passage. Parry’s expeditions made significant advancements in mapping parts of the Arctic, particularly through Lancaster Sound and Barrow Strait, establishing the practicality of a passage, though ice ultimately prevented full success.

2. Franklin & Richardson (1825-1826): Sir John Franklin and Dr. John Richardson led this overland expedition along the northern coast of Canada, mapping over 1,200 miles of previously uncharted Arctic shoreline. This journey established crucial geographical knowledge while facing severe hardships.

3. Beechey (1826): Captain Frederick William Beechey’s voyage focused on providing supplies for Franklin's overland expedition. Although largely a support mission, it charted portions of the Bering Strait and contributed to defining the western limits of the Arctic.

4. Ross (1829-1833): Commanded by Sir John Ross, this journey was among the first to explore the Boothia Peninsula. Ross’s team discovered the Magnetic North Pole, and his nephew James Clark Ross’s sledge journey set the record for furthest northern exploration at the time.

5. Back (1833-1834): Captain George Back embarked on a recovery mission in search of Ross. Despite enduring immense challenges, Back's journey successfully charted the Great Fish River (now Back River) and added to Arctic cartography.

6. Dease & Simpson (1837-1840): Thomas Simpson and Peter Warren Dease of the Hudson’s Bay Company charted large sections of the Arctic coastline, filling significant gaps in geographical knowledge, and linking known areas explored by Franklin and others.

7. Rae (1847): Dr. John Rae’s exploration in 1847 (along with John Richardson) was part of ongoing efforts to determine the fate of Franklin’s missing expedition. Rae’s contribution was significant in later identifying information related to Franklin’s disappearance.

The inset map focuses on Captain Franklin’s overland expedition from the Coppermine River to Bathurst Inlet and its return by Hood’s River. This detailed inset highlights Franklin’s rigorous journey across a treacherous Arctic landscape, illustrating his systematic efforts to map and explore the northern coastline. The route marks both the outgoing and returning paths, underlining the difficulties faced during his explorations. This journey, though successful in expanding knowledge, foreshadowed the tragic events of Franklin's later, ill-fated expedition. 

Subsequent states of the map in 1853 and 1855 add the following explorations:

1848: Rae-Richardson Arctic Expedition
John Richardson and John Rae led this overland search in the Canadian Arctic in pursuit of clues regarding the fate of Franklin’s lost expedition. The mission, though not conclusive, gathered valuable information about the region and reinforced British resolve in the search efforts.

1849: Kellett’s Discovery of Herald Island
Commander Henry Kellett, while searching for Franklin, discovered Herald Island in the Chukchi Sea. Although it yielded no trace of Franklin’s party, this finding added to the expanding map of the Arctic.

1850–1854: McClure Arctic Expedition
Led by Robert McClure, this British expedition was tasked with finding Franklin. It ultimately became famous for its navigation of the Northwest Passage and its crew's harrowing survival after being trapped in the ice for several years, while also contributing to the larger search.

1850–1851: First Grinnell Expedition
Edwin De Haven, leading the first American expedition in the search for Franklin, located the graves of three crew members—John Torrington, William Braine, and John Hartnell—on Beechey Island. This discovery provided the first physical evidence of Franklin’s ill-fated expedition.

1851: Kennedy’s Search in the Prince Albert
William Kennedy, under the sponsorship of Lady Franklin, sailed the Prince Albert to explore potential leads on her husband’s whereabouts, marking one of the numerous private initiatives driven by Lady Franklin’s determination to uncover the truth.

1852: Inglefield’s Expedition in the Isabel
Edward Augustus Inglefield undertook another search for Franklin, also financed by Jane Franklin. The expedition ventured through Smith Sound and surveyed previously uncharted areas, broadening the geographical understanding of the Arctic.

1853–1855: Second Grinnell Expedition
Led by Elisha Kane, this American expedition further explored Grinnell Land in search of Franklin. Although unsuccessful in finding the lost crew, the journey contributed to Arctic knowledge and inspired further expeditions.

States of the Map

There are several states of the map, including the following.

• Dated 1851:  Shows explorations up to Rae in 1847
• Dated 1853:  Reference table is removed, with explorations added up to 1852.
• Dated 1855:   Discoveries shown up to 1854.

Rarity

The 1851 Edition is very rare.  The 1853 and 1855 editions are scarce.