The USS Jeannette, a steam-powered vessel, was launched in 1878 and sponsored by newspaper magnate James Gordon Bennett Jr., who was eager to claim a first to the North Pole. The expedition was led by the skilled navigator, George Washington DeLong, who had experience in Arctic conditions and was well-regarded in maritime circles. Departing from San Francisco on July 8, 1879, the crew set sail with high hopes and a sense of adventure, albeit with limited understanding of the extreme conditions they would face.

As the Jeannette journeyed north, it traversed dangerous ice-laden waters that would ultimately trap the ship. The expedition faced numerous trials, including dwindling supplies and brutal cold. Despite their advances, including traversing the Chukchi Sea and reaching the New Siberian Islands, the harsh realities of Arctic exploration began to take a toll. Compounding difficulties included navigation errors and extensive ice drifting, which set them off course.

In 1881, after being frozen in the ice for nearly two years, the USS Jeannette was abandoned, and DeLong and his crew attempted to reach land. Sadly, the expedition ended in tragedy as many members perished due to exposure and limited provisions. The remaining crew resorted to desperate measures to survive, showcasing the dire conditions faced in this inhospitable environment. Ultimately, only a fraction of the crew survived to tell the tale, leading to a tragic end for what was intended to be a groundbreaking exploration.