Annie Smith Peck 1850–1935
World-class Mountain Climber and Explorer
As a mountain climber, Rhode Island's Annie Smith Peck had a goal. She wanted to be the first person to climb the highest mountain in the world. Peck was used to setting records and breaking barriers. She climbed Mexico's highest mountain and was the third woman to climb the Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps.
After several attempts, Peck and her guides reached the summit of Mount Huascarán (wahs kuh RAHN) in the Peruvian Andes in 1908. She was 58 years old at the time. It was the highest anyone had ever climbed in the Western Hemisphere. Her record remained unbroken for 26 years. The Peruvian government renamed the peak Cumbre Aña Peck in her honor.
Critical Thinking
What can you conclude about Annie Smith Peck's character?