A renowned mountaineer, explorer, and author, known for being the first person to ascend the Matterhorn, a feat that cost him four lives, and for his detailed illustrations of the Alps.
Edward Whymper, a seasoned mountaineer, explorer, and author, is best known for being the first to ascend the iconic Matterhorn in 1865, a feat that would etch his name in the annals of history. Sadly, this remarkable achievement was marred by the tragic loss of four members of his climbing party during the descent.
Whymper was born on April 27, 1840, in London to Josiah Wood Whymper, an artist and wood engraver, and Elizabeth Whitworth Claridge. He was the second of eleven children, and his older brother Frederick Whymper would later become an artist and explorer in his own right. From a young age, Whymper was trained in wood engraving, but his true passion lay in exploration and adventure.
In 1860, Whymper embarked on a journey to the central and western Alps to produce a series of commissioned alpine scenery drawings. During this tour, he witnessed an unsuccessful attempt by Professor Bonney's party to ascend Mont Pelvoux, which was then believed to be the highest peak in the Dauphin Alps. This experience sparked Whymper's determination to conquer the mountain himself, which he did in 1861, marking the first of many remarkable expeditions.
Whymper's success on Mont Pelvoux was followed by a series of expeditions that shed new light on the topography of the Alps. In 1864, he climbed the Barre des Écrins, the highest peak in the French Alps at the time, with Horace Walker, A.W. Moore, and guides Christian Almer senior and junior. Over the next few years, Whymper made numerous first ascents in the Mont Blanc massif and the Pennine Alps, solidifying his reputation as a courageous and skilled mountaineer.
The Matterhorn, a formidable peak on the Italian-Swiss border, was Whymper's most notable conquest. On July 14, 1865, he and his team, including Charles Hudson, Lord Francis Douglas, Douglas Robert Hadow, Michael Croz, and Charles strmeyer, reached the summit after a grueling climb. Tragically, during the descent, a rope broke, sending four of Whymper's companions to their deaths.
Despite this tragedy, Whymper continued to explore and climb, making significant contributions to Arctic exploration during his expedition to Greenland. He also ventured to South America, where he made first ascents on Chimborazo, and later to the Canadian Rockies.
Whymper was not only a daring mountaineer but also a talented author and illustrator. His book, Scrambles Amongst the Alps, published in 1871, is still considered a classic in the genre of mountaineering literature. Whymper's writings and illustrations have inspired generations of adventurers and continue to captivate readers to this day.
Edward Whymper's life was marked by courage, perseverance, and a passion for exploration. His remarkable achievements have left an indelible mark on the world of mountaineering, inspiring countless individuals to push beyond their limits and strive for greatness.
"Climb if you will, but remember that courage and strength are nought without prudence, and that a momentary negligence may destroy the happiness of a lifetime. Do nothing in haste, for you will often repent at leisure." - Edward Whymper
67 Years Old
A talented pitcher who played in the major leagues from 1983 to 1989, known for his impressive fastball and slider.
Born in 1820
A pioneering physicist who made significant contributions to the discovery of the greenhouse effect and the behavior of gases, and an accomplished mountaineer who conquered several Alpine peaks.
