Today marks 121 years of uninterrupted presence in Antarctica. It so happens that February 22, 1904 marked a fundamental milestone in Argentine history: the raising of our flag on Laurie Island, part of the South Orkney archipelago.
A rock shelter on Laurie Island became the world's first Antarctic base in February 1904.
This act, commemorated annually as Argentine Antarctica Day (Law No. 20827/74), made us pioneers in Antarctic research and not only symbolizes our commitment to science, but also lays the foundations for our claims to sovereignty.
From hunting to science: a change of direction
At the end of the 19th century, Antarctica was a virgin territory, but not unexplored. The greed for resources such as oil and the skins of seals and sea lions attracted hunters from the River Plate, who decimated the populations of these species almost to extinction. Kept secret to preserve the monopoly on the source of income, this activity left a deep mark on the Antarctic ecosystem; the subsequent hunting of penguins and elephant seals only aggravated the situation and prompted the need for a change of direction towards scientific research and conservation.
International cooperation, one of the pillars of Antarctic research
The 1901 international Antarctic expedition, organized by the Geographical Society of London, marked a turning point. While it was driven by the search for scientific knowledge, it also reflected the growing international competition for Antarctica. Argentina, far from remaining aloof, decided to participate and committed to establishing a magnetic and meteorological observatory on the island of the States, located in the South Atlantic, east of the Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego. The installation of the lighthouse began in mid-November of that year and it began operating on October 1, 1902.
The Swedish expedition of Dr. Otto Nordenskjöld, in which Ensign José María Sobral participated, exemplifies international cooperation in scientific research . Following the sinking of their ship, these expeditionaries had to spend the winter for a year in 1902, thus becoming the first human beings to spend the winter on the White Continent. In 1903, they were rescued by the corvette ARA Uruguay, which arrived at the Northern Dock on December 2 of that year. This historic rescue was the beginning of Argentina's destiny of solidarity and cooperation in Antarctica and, at the same time, consolidated our presence in the region.
Sobral, first in the lower row on the right, with his companions from the Swedish expedition.
The South Orkney meteorological observatory: a beacon of science
William Bruce's Scottish expedition in 1902 had a decisive impact on the Antarctic history of our country. After being stranded on Laurie Island, the expeditionaries built the "Omond House" shelter. Upon returning to Buenos Aires to replenish supplies, Dr. Bruce offered the shelter, along with scientific instruments, to the Argentine government. This gesture marked the beginning of the Argentine Meteorological Observatory in the Orkney Islands, a symbol of perseverance and dedication, which contributed to the global knowledge of the White Continent. Its constant operation for more than a century bears witness to the importance that the Argentine Republic attaches to research in Antarctica and to the preservation of this unique ecosystem.
Orcadas Station is home to the historic Omond House (the original stone observatory built in 1903) and Moneta House (1905), now a museum, named in honour of José Manuel Moneta, a member of the Meteorological Service and author of the book Cuatro años en las Orcadas del Sur, in which he records his personal experience at the Antarctic base. Both houses, together with the neighbouring cemetery, were declared SMH Historic Site and Monument No. 42 of the Antarctic Treaty. In 1927, the first Antarctic radiotelegraph station was opened there and, in 1946, the first Catholic mass was celebrated.
History, research and centennial commitment
Over the course of these 121 years, our country has established seven permanent bases (operational all year round) and six temporary bases (open only in summer) on the Antarctic Peninsula and its surrounding areas; 67 shelters (to support the activities of researchers and to be used in case of emergency); it has carried out exploration work, scientific and cartographic studies; important rescue and international aid tasks; and it has reached the South Pole on three occasions: the first time by air and the other two times by land expeditions. In this way, the Argentine Republic has managed to consolidate a significant presence south of the Arctic Circle.
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