The Type and Number of Expeditions in the Franklin Search, 1847-1859

Abstract

Forty-nine books and articles published during the last 140 years give two dozen different figures for the number of expeditions that participated in the search for Sir John Franklin (1847-59). The figures range widely, from 17 to more than 70. According to the classification of expeditions presented here, 20 search expeditions, 11 supply expeditions, and one relief expedition (a total of 32) were directly involved in the Arctic search, and four bi-purpose expeditions contributed in some way, making a total of 36. Three aborted search expeditions failed to reach the Arctic.