Elisha Kent Kane (1820-1857)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Born in Philadelphia, Kane was a prominent explorer of the Arctic in the 1850s. His writings after his expeditions influenced scientific and popular opinion on the polar regions. He was first to chart a course that became the route that Robert Peary used to claim the North Pole in 1909. When he died, he was so revered that his body was sent on a two-week cortege across the country before being interred in its final resting place here.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Born in Philadelphia in 1820, Elisha Kent Kane became one of America's first celebrity explorers, venturing into the frozen Arctic in the 1850s in search of a lost British expedition. His vivid published accounts shaped how scientists and everyday readers imagined the polar world, and the route he charted later guided Robert Peary toward the North Pole. So beloved was Kane that when he died young, his body traveled in a two-week funeral procession across the country before its burial here.
Why it matters
Kane helped launch America's fascination with polar exploration, blending science and adventure into a national story that culminated in the race to the Pole.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia4.1 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center4.1 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center4.2 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center4.3 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Betsy Ross House4.3 mi away · 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History4.4 mi away · 101 South Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir1.5 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge2.0 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo2.3 mi away
- Rocky Steps2.8 mi away
- American Bandstand3.4 mi away
- Harbison's Dairy Milk Bottle3.5 mi away
Food & drink
- Burger King4.2 mi away
- Dunkin'4.2 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Mall Cafe4.2 mi away · 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- Philly Pretzel Factory4.2 mi away
- Munchie’s Cafe4.3 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- La Colombe Coffee Roasters4.3 mi away
Places to stay
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia3.7 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center3.7 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Clarion Suites Philadelphia3.8 mi away · 1010 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA3.9 mi away · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel3.9 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City3.9 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Elisha Kent Kane
- · Robert Peary
Themes & tags
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