, Alaska, USA
1899 - May 31 – Launch of the Harriman Alaska Expedition.

The Harriman Alaska Expedition of 1899 was a significant scientific and exploratory endeavor led by railroad magnate Edward Harriman. Departing from Seattle on May 31, 1899, aboard the luxuriously appointed steamship SS George W. Elder, the expedition aimed to explore and document the largely uncharted coastline of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. The expedition was notable for its impressive roster of scientists, artists, and experts, including naturalists John Muir and John Burroughs, photographer Edward S. Curtis, and many others. The expedition's goal was to study and document the natural history, wildlife, and native cultures of Alaska, as well as to further Harriman's personal interests in natural science.

The expedition's findings were groundbreaking, providing invaluable insights into Alaska's ecosystems, geology, and indigenous cultures. The expedition also contributed significantly to the scientific understanding of the region's flora and fauna, with many new species being discovered and documented.

May 31, 1899

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