Peary's Funeral

Having died, February 20, 1920, just eleven years after his successful expedition to the North Pole, Robert Peary had a funeral that would rival some dignitaries. Honored with interment at Arlington National Cemetery, Peary's funeral included the type of distinction and ceremony he had when he returned from his most famous expedition. With a horse drawn hearse and band playing, Robert Peary was an honored explorer even in death.

There is speculation that on his deathbed Peary asked to see Henson. According to Pauline Angell the author of To the Top of the World, Henson hastened to Peary's side shortly before his death. Henson was present at his side when he died and was overcome with grief and locked himself in the bathroom for fear his wife, Lucy, would see him sobbing. Lucy was unable to ever forgive Peary for his treatment of her husband after the North Pole expedition.



Image Caption: This photograph titled "Funeral of Adml. Peary" was taken as part of a series of photographs on February 23, 1920 of his casket being taken from his home in Washington D.C., courtesy of the Library of Congress.