Who Really Reached the North Pole First?

Peary, Henson, Cook—and a century of doubt

View in Browser  DIGITAL ISSUES GEAR REVIEWS SUBSCRIBE The Story We Can't Stop Thinking About  An epic, bitter expedition. Two explorers raced to claim the last great prize on Earth: the North Pole. One said he got there first. The other insisted he did. More than a century later, the evidence suggests another possibility: neither Robert Peary nor Frederick Cook actually made it. It’s one of those rare historical mysteries where the closer you look, the less certain the answer becomes. —Andrew Daniels, Director of News The Controversial Race to Be First at the North Pole Inside the deadliest expedition on Earth, and the bitter smear campaign that erased who won the race. Read More A Perfectly Preserved Shipwreck Found in Lake Michigan Modern explorers finally uncovered the long-lost Milwaukee from its aquatic grave. Read More A Record-Breaking Shipwreck Discovery in the Deep Sea At 8,200 feet underwater, it’s the deepest wreck ever found around France’s coastline. Read More GEAR REPORT A Compact Power Bank That Keeps Up With Your Devices Impressive power and versatility for only $50. Read More John Deere’s Electric Zero-Turn Mower, Tested Electric zero-turn mowers are starting to impress me. Read More Nikola Tesla’s Unusual Approach to Longevity The master of electricity defied age for decades with these prescient—and occasionally problematic—life hacks. Read More Need Assistance? Contact Us. Follow Us Unsubscribe | Manage Preferences | Privacy Notice | CA Notice at Collection Popular Mechanics is a publication of Hearst Magazines. ©2026 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This email was sent by Hearst Magazines, 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019-3779