It seems that everyone is trying to lay claim to the continent of Antarctica. The British did it by opening a post office in the Antarctic. If there’s a government agency, they must have some right to it, right?

We were told that Chile sent a newlywed couple to conceive a child in Antarctica in 1978 to legitimize their claim to the continent. Argentina was not impressed by this event, so they sent a pregnant woman to give birth to her child in Antarctica, thus being the first citizen of the seventh continent.

So, what did the British do to make their claim stronger? They opened a post office. The babies were already born, so a governmental body made sense as the next natural progression.

History of the Post Office

People swarm to Port Lockroy to send a postcard home to their loved ones and explore the museum, which used to be an old British Outpost.

Known as the penguin post office, this post office became a historic monument in 1996.

Expedition ships regularly stop at Port Lockroy, allowing passengers to send postcards and buy a few souvenirs from the continent.

Museum at Port Lockroy

The museum at Port Lockroy is set up exactly as it was during the early days of Antarctic research. This base is now a historic site where visitors can get a glimpse of what life was like for researchers and whalers living in Antarctica from the 1940s to the 1960s.

The kitchen, bunkrooms, barracks, and even the old radio room are all intact, providing insight into the daily lives of those who once inhabited this remote location.

Leftovers From Researchers

The researchers kept their favorite movie stars and bombshells close to their hearts, painting their images on the walls. Therefore, the post office and outpost have become a delightful spot for visitors to explore.

Moreover, the post office is also home to a penguin colony, who decided to join the researchers after their arrival.

For more information about planning your own Antarctic expedition, explore Quark Expeditions.