Benjamin Morrell was an American sailor and explorer who became notable for his adventurous sea voyages during the early 19th century. His claim of discovering New South Greenland arose from exploratory efforts made in the Antarctic region. In his writings, he recounted supposed sightings and navigational calculations that suggested the presence of this landmass. Morrell’s accounts appeared to blend genuine discovery with speculative narrative, which significantly impacted the maps of that era. His book, published later in the 1830s, attracted attention to the potential wonders of the Antarctic, shaping public imagination about its geography and exploratory possibilities.

Morrell's descriptions were compelling enough to entice other explorers to search for New South Greenland, hoping to find a new territory. This sparked a series of expeditions to the far reaches of Antarctica, inspired by the tale of new lands ripe for exploration. However, these efforts ultimately did not yield results, as the island did not exist. His narrative showcased the mix of adventure and myth that characterized many exploratory accounts of the time, highlighting the thin line between fact and fiction in the age of exploration.

The legend of New South Greenland would go on to serve as a cautionary tale about the risks of extrapolating conjectured lands from anecdotal evidence and navigational inaccuracies. Morrell’s influence persisted in the realms of geography and exploration, as many would later reference his claims while discussing the broader possibilities of Antarctic exploration, even if his specific assertions were debunked.