He volunteered at 17 as a private in the Union Army and rose to the rank of brevet major during the Civil War. When the United States joined the plan to institute international circumpolar stations, Greely was appointed in 1881 to command an expedition to establish one of the meteorological and magnetic observation posts.
Newburyport High School
In 1882 some of Greely's party reached 83°24'83d24' north latitude and 42°45'42d45' west longitude, a point farther north than any previously recorded. Others explored the interior of Ellesmere Island, discovering Lake Hazen and the United States Range, and reached the island's west coast at Greely Fiord, which was named after their commander. Relief ships failed to reach this party in 1882 and 1883. Greely's group left Fort Conger on Aug. 9, 1883, and proceeded southward by boat. Ice compelled the men to abandon the vessel and take refuge on Bedford Pim Island, off Cape Sabine, where they experienced appalling hardships. Only 7 of 25 men survived when a rescue ship arrived in 1884.
He landed in Lady Franklin Bay, in Arctic America, and built Fort Conger.
In 1882 some of Greely's party reached 83°24'83d24' north latitude and 42°45'42d45' west longitude, a point farther north than any previously recorded.
he developed the telegraph systems of Puerto Rico, Cuba, Alaska, and the Philippine Islands and administered the United States Weather Bureau.
Upon promotion to major general, Greely directed the relief measures following the San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1906 and quelled the Ute Indian uprising.
Member, Board of Regulate wireless telegraphy in the United States, 1904, to report on coast defenses of the United States, 1905. United States Delegate, International Telegraph Conference, London, International Wireless Telegraph Conference, Berlin, 1903. Commanding Pacific Division and in charge, relief operations, San Francisco earthquake sufferers, 1906. Army Representative to Coronation George V., England, 1911. Commanding Northern Division, 1906, Department Columbia, 1907. Gold Medalist, Royal American and French Geography Socs. Author: Handbook, Arctic and Polar Discoveries (6 Education), 1895- 1907. Handbook of Alaska, 1909, 1914, 1925. Tales of Arctic Heroism, 1912. Reminiscences of Adventure and Service, 1927 Polar Region of Twentieth Century, 1928. Ibid. English Edition, 1929. Also many scientific articles. Lady Franklin Bay Expedition (2 vols.) 1887. American Weather, 1888. Explorers and Travelers. 1893. Member of Washington Meteorological Society. Veterans of War 1812 (honorary member). Clubs: Cosmos, Explorers (honorary president, New York City), Chicago Yacht, Mayflower (past Governor).
Spouse Henrietta H. C. Nesmith, June 20, 1878, San Diego, California.
