Ross, Sir James Clark National Historic Person

Taloyoak, Nunavut
On 1 June 1831 Ross discovered the North Magnetic Pole, set up the British flag and erected a cairn. © National Portrait Gallery
James Clark Ross
© National Portrait Gallery
On 1 June 1831 Ross discovered the North Magnetic Pole, set up the British flag and erected a cairn. © National Portrait GalleryRoss, Sir James Clark © Expired
Address : Taloyoak, Nunavut

Recognition Statute: Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date: 1972-10-19
Life Date: 1800 to 1862

Other Name(s):
  • Ross, Sir James Clark  (Designation Name)

Importance: Arctic explorer, sailed with Parry (1819-25) , led 1848 Franklin search

Plaque(s)


Existing plaque:  Taloyoak, Nunavut

James Ross entered the Royal Navy in 1812 and sailed with Parry on his three great Arctic voyages (1819-25). In 1829 he accompanied his uncle, Captain John Ross, on the expedition which explored and mapped the Boothia Peninsula. Here, on 1 June 1831, James Ross determined the location of the north magnetic pole. From 1839 to 1843 he commanded an expedition to Antarctica, and on his return was knighted for his contributions to polar exploration. As Britain's leading polar navigator, he led the first of the seaborne Franklin searches (1848-49) which explored much of Somerset Island.