Fort Conger

Fort Conger
Grinnell Land, Ellesmere Island, Canadian Arctic
Fort Conger in May 1883
Site information
TypeScientific research post
OperatorUnited States Army Signal Corps
Location
Fort Conger
Coordinates81°45′N 64°45′W / 81.750°N 64.750°W / 81.750; -64.750 (Fort Conger)
Site history
BuiltAugust 1881 (1881-08)
In use1881–1935
MaterialsWooden boards; tar paper
EventsLady Franklin Bay Expedition

Fort Conger is a former settlement, military fortification, and scientific research post in the Qikiqtaaluk Region, Nunavut, Canada. It was established in 1881 as an Arctic exploration camp, notable as the site of the first major northern polar region scientific expedition, the Lady Franklin Bay Expedition, led by Adolphus Greely as part of the United States government's contribution to the First International Polar Year. It was later occupied by Robert Peary during some of his Arctic expeditions.

Fort Conger is located on the northern shore of Lady Franklin Bay in Grinnell Land, northeastern Ellesmere Island within Quttinirpaaq National Park. Bellot Island lies across from Fort Conger within Discovery Harbour. Though lacking in timber, the area is characterized by grasses and sedges. The surroundings are rugged and boast high cliffs around the harbour. Now uninhabited, it is one of only a handful of previously staffed stations in the Queen Elizabeth Islands. In 1991, some of the structures at Fort Conger were designated as Classified Federal Heritage Buildings.