Exploration
in Antarctica began in the mid 1800s, although sealing and
whaling existed earlier. The first substantial structure
to be erected on the continent was by Borchgrevink in 1899
at Cape Adare, for the first wintering of humans on the
continent. The following 10 years saw several additional
huts as depots for explorers for exploration of the coastline
and interior, and in attempts to reach the Geographic South
Pole. Now, 100 years after the first building was erected,
all have become historic sites and relics of early explorers
and their achievements. Many have been restored and are
visited by tourists annually as part of cruise itineraries.
This paper, in the Centennial Year of the 1899 hut of Borchgrevink,
reviews the history of these expedition huts and sites,
including emergency structures and shelters, and stresses
the importance of preservation of buildings and their contents
in light of severe weather conditions, as well as numerous
visits by tourists and others over mainly the last 40 years.
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