Born October 19, 1850,
Providence, Rhode Island
Died July 18, 1935,
New York, New York

Annie Smith Peck’s 40-year career as a traveler and record-setting mountain climber began as a hobby and continued to within a year of her death at the age of 85. She climbed mountains throughout the world, and a peak in Peru was even named after her. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, on October 19, 1850, Peck came from a prominent New England family; her father was a successful lawyer. After working for a time as a teacher she attended the University of Michigan. In 1885 she became the first woman to be admitted to the American School of Classical Studies in Athens.

Climbs South American peak

Following her studies in Europe, Peck tried to earn her living by giving lectures on Greek archaeology. When this occupation proved unrewarding financially, she decided to switch to giving...