July 24

Born in 1786 in France, Nicollet studied mathematics before dedicating himself to exploration in North America in the 1830s. He led several expeditions to map the Mississippi River basin, creating the first scientifically accurate maps of the region. His surveys combined astronomical observations with local Indigenous knowledge, revealing detailed information on geography and culture. Nicollet's publications, including his 1843 atlas, were celebrated for their precision and artistic quality. Despite struggling with ill health, his work laid the foundation for later U.S. government surveys and remains a key milestone in American cartography.

Born in Kansas in 1897, Earhart developed a passion for flying after attending an airshow in 1920. In 1932, she became the first woman to complete a solo transatlantic flight, earning international fame. Earhart set numerous speed and distance records and authored books sharing her flying experiences. She was a founding member of the Ninety-Nines, an organization supporting female pilots. In 1937, during an attempt to circumnavigate the globe, her plane vanished over the Pacific, sparking one of history's greatest aviation mysteries. Earhart's courage and advocacy helped expand opportunities for women in aviation.

Catherine Destivelle is a French climber celebrated for her groundbreaking achievements in rock climbing and mountaineering. In the 1980s and 1990s, she completed some of the world's most challenging solo routes, including a historic solo ascent of the Grandes Jorasses. Destivelle earned the prestigious Mountaineering Piolet d'Or Golden Ice Axe for her alpine feats. She also led several expeditions to the Himalayas, summiting peaks like Annapurna. Known for her technical mastery and daring solos, Destivelle has inspired climbers worldwide and contributed to literature with her memoir 'Destins Croisés.'