West Douglas in Kalamazoo in Kalamazoo County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Edward Israel Arctic Pioneer

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, February 1, 2022

1. Edward Israel Arctic Pioneer Marker

Inscription. Near here is the grave of Edward Israel who went on the nation’s first polar expedition, led by Lieutenant Adolphus W. Greely. The team set out in 1881 for Ellesmere Island in the Arctic Ocean. Expedition scientist was Israel of Kalamazoo, age 22, a recent graduate of the University of Michigan. He collected valuable astronomical information and assisted Greely in many administrative chores. Disaster struck in 1883 when the relief ship was sunk en route. After a severe winter, 18 of the 25 expedition members died. Israel died on May 27, 1884. The entire city of Kalamazoo, with mixed sorrow and pride, honored Israel when the body was returned in August of that year.

Erected 1972 by Michigan Historical Commission. (Marker Number L2203.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Exploration. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 27, 1884.

Location. 42° 17.607′ N, 85° 36.282′ W. Marker is in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in Kalamazoo County. It is in West Douglas. Marker is on West Main Street near Monroe Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker is near the western most entrance to Mountain Home Cemetery.

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Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1402 West Main Street, Kalamazoo MI 49006, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Henderson Park West Main Hill Historic District (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Stuart House (approx. 0.4 miles away); French-Allen House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Stuart Neighborhood (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named Stuart Neighborhood (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named Stuart Neighborhood (approx. half a mile away); Western Michigan University (approx. 0.7 miles away); South Street Historic District (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kalamazoo.

Also see . . . Edward Israel Arctic Explorer: 1859-1884. Excerpt:

One of the survivors wrote of Israel’s passing, “Everyone was his friend. He had no enemies. His frankness, his honesty, and his noble generosity of nature had won the hearts of all his companions. His unswerving integrity during these months of agony has been a shining example; and although his sacrifices were lost to a few, still the effect has produced good fruit. For lack of strength we could not bury him today.”

(Submitted on November 26, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.)

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, February 1, 2022

2. Edward Israel Arctic Pioneer Marker

Edward Israel Grave image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, February 1, 2022

3. Edward Israel Grave

Edward Israel image. Click for full size.

circa 1881

4. Edward Israel

Kalamazoo Public Library files

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, February 1, 2022

5. Edward Israel Arctic Pioneer Marker

The marker is located near the western most entrance of this cemetery.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 4, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 26, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 124 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 26, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.