September 22

Francisco Vázquez de Coronado (c.1510–1554) commanded a major expedition from Mexico into what is now the American Southwest in 1540. He sought the legendary Seven Cities of Gold but instead encountered Native American cultures such as the Zuni and Hopi. Coronado became the first European to view the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River during his travels. Although his quest for riches ended in disappointment, his journey expanded European knowledge of North America's interior. He returned to Mexico in 1542 and faced inquiries over the expedition's failures. Coronado's travels paved the way for later Spanish claims and exploration.

Born in 1699 near Philadelphia, John Bartram was largely self-taught in natural history. He established North America’s first botanical garden and began exchanging plant specimens with European scientists. Bartram undertook extensive explorations in the eastern United States, documenting hundreds of native plant species. His correspondence and exchanges with Carl Linnaeus and other naturalists advanced the study of American flora. Bartram published influential works and helped lay the foundations of scientific botany in the New World. He died in 1777, leaving a lasting impact through his garden and the continuation of his work by his son William.

Pete Schoening was born in 1927 in Brooklyn, New York, and developed a passion for climbing during his youth. As part of the 1953 American expedition to K2, he single-handedly stopped a fatal fall of six fellow climbers by executing a perfect ice-axe belay, later dubbed the 'Miracle of the Belay.' This act secured his place in mountaineering history and demonstrated exceptional courage and skill. Schoening went on to participate in numerous major climbs in the Himalayas and Alaska, pushing the limits of high-altitude exploration. He mentored generations of climbers through his articles in mountaineering journals and as a guide. His contributions helped advance climbing techniques and safety standards. Schoening passed away in 2004, leaving a legacy of adventure and heroism.