1907Dr. Frederick A. Cook, allegedly the first explorer to reach the North Pole, traveled on the Gloucester schooner John R. Bradley to Grant Land.People and Communities, Economy and Industry, Maritime & Fishing Industry, Notable People

John R. Bradley left Gloucester in June of 1907. Cook reportedly used the schooner until another was needed to combat the ice floes. Though Cook reported that he planted the American flag at the North Pole on April 21, 1908, he did not announce his success until October 20, 1909, after which he was celebrated as the first explorer to reach the North Pole. The authenticity of his claim, however, has been hotly contested ever since and there is not sufficient evidence to prove that Cook truly reached the North Pole. Even if his claim is false, the departure of John R. Bradley from Gloucester was the beginning of a historic event.