August 01

Born in 1770 in Virginia, Clark joined the U.S. Army before teaming up with Meriwether Lewis to lead the Corps of Discovery (1804–1806). Their expedition mapped vast regions west of the Mississippi River and established American presence in the Pacific Northwest. After the journey, he was appointed Governor of the Missouri Territory in 1813, overseeing settlement and relations with Native American tribes. Clark also served in the War of 1812 and continued to influence westward expansion through collaborations with government and explorers. He left a lasting legacy as one of America’s most important early explorers.

Born into a prominent industrial family in Bucharest, Bazil Assan graduated in engineering from Liège and the École des Mines in Paris. He led the first Romanian scientific expedition to Spitsbergen, studying geology and climate in the Arctic. On subsequent travels, he documented industrial practices and ethnographic observations across Europe and Asia. Assan modernized Romanian industry by introducing advanced mining and metallurgical techniques based on his studies abroad. His published travel accounts inspired Romanian interest in geography and exploration. He died in 1918 in a tragic industrial accident.

Eric Shipton was a distinguished mountaineer whose exploration in the 1930s reshaped understanding of the Himalayan peaks. Born in colonial Ceylon, he led small, agile teams into remote valleys and charted new routes, including the famous path through the Khumbu Icefall. His minimalist style and deep respect for local cultures influenced post-war expedition strategies. He authored several books recounting his journeys, inspiring future generations of climbers. Shipton's achievements earned him the Patron's Gold Medal from the Royal Geographical Society. His legacy endures in the routes he established and his philosophy of lightweight, exploratory climbing.

Born in 1973, Edurne Pasaban Fuarros emerged as a leading Spanish mountaineer. She has led and participated in expeditions across the Himalayas and other high-altitude mountain ranges. Known for her technical climbing skill and tenacity, she has overcome extreme weather and terrain. Her achievements have set new standards for women in high-altitude mountaineering. Pasaban actively promotes respect for mountain environments and encourages broader participation in adventure sports.