September 11

Born in Châteaudun, France, in 1786, Nicollet studied mathematics and astronomy at the École Polytechnique. He served as director of the Saint-Domingue Observatory before political upheaval prompted his emigration to the United States in 1827. Nicollet conducted extensive surveys of the Upper Mississippi River basin and Great Plains, producing some of the most accurate maps of the region. His landmark work, Hydrographical Basin of the Upper Mississippi River, combined scientific rigor with detailed observations of Native American cultures. Nicollet’s maps influenced subsequent explorers such as John C. Frémont and aided westward expansion. He died in 1843 while preparing a new expedition, leaving a reputation as a pioneer of American cartography.

Born in 1847 in Paris, Boussenard traveled extensively across Africa, gathering inspiration for his fiction. He penned over seventy adventure novels rich with exploration, exotic landscapes, and daring exploits. Combining factual travel experiences with imaginative storytelling, he brought distant cultures to European audiences. His works appealed to both young readers and adults, contributing to the popularity of travel literature in France. Boussenard's vivid narratives earned him a lasting place among the era's most celebrated adventure writers.

Born in 1901, Wigura developed an early passion for aviation and engineering at Warsaw University. In 1927 he co-founded the RWD design team, creating innovative light aircraft for sport and record attempts. He set several long-distance flying records, demonstrating the capabilities of Polish aviation. Wigura's technical expertise combined with his passion for flight helped establish RWD as a leading aircraft manufacturer. Tragically, he died in a plane crash during a record flight in 1932 at just 31 years old. His legacy lives on in Polish aviation history as a pioneer of both competitive flying and aircraft design.

Gene Savoy (1927–2007) was an American explorer and scholar who led expeditions to the Andes, uncovering sites linked to the Inca and pre-Inca cultures. A self-taught theologian, he founded the Center for Pre-Columbian Studies to research ancient American civilizations. Savoy authored several books detailing his hypotheses on the development and migration of early Andean societies. His controversial theories sparked debate within archaeological and theological circles. He also established religious communities based on his interpretations of ancient texts. Savoy's adventurous spirit and prolific writing inspired both scholars and amateur enthusiasts of exploration and history.