Jeannette Monument

The Jeannette Monument is a sculpture at the Naval Academy in Annapolis dedicated to a failed Arctic expedition. The work features a cross adorned with ice-like forms and displays engraved names of those who died.

The monument was erected after the USS Jeannette sank in 1881, when ice crushed the ship and most crew members perished. It was built on the academy cemetery to commemorate this disaster.

The monument honors those who died during a perilous Arctic voyage and shows how the Navy remembers its fallen sailors. The inscriptions and design reflect how the academy values the memory of men who perished in extreme conditions.

Access to the monument is through Naval Academy grounds, which has visitor restrictions and requires security screening. Plan enough time to walk around and read the inscriptions carefully.

The sculpture was designed by artist George Partridge Colvocoresses and features an antique anchor at its base. Over time, weathering has made many of the original inscriptions difficult to read.

GPS coordinates: 38.98690,-76.49030

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:44