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?
Chile: 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.
United Kingdom: 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 to be 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 an historic monument in 1996.
Expedition ships stop at Port Lockroy regularly allowing passengers to send a postcard and buy a few souvenirs from the continent.
Museum at Port Lockroy
It is also a museum set up exactly as it was during early days of Antarctic researching at Port Lockroy.
The base is now a historic site for people to explore and get a glimpse as to what life was like for researchers and whalers living in Antarctica during the 1940’s to the 1960’s.
The kitchen was left as is, there are bunks and barracks and even the old radio room is intact.
Leftovers From Researchers
The researchers kept their favourite movie stars and bombshells close to their hearts and painted their images on the walls.
The post office and outpost is also home to a penguin colony who decided to join the researchers after they arrived.
Check out Quark Expeditions for planning your own Antarctic Expedition.
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Paul Sheridan says
Hi
I work in the post office in Ireland and as a tradition we send christmas cards to other post offices around the world.
Could you send me your address so we can send you one, but it might not get there before Christmas.
Regards
Paul Sheridan
Registered Letters Office
Dublin Mails Centre
D12v4ac
Ireland
Ireland
Rex Tseng says
Hi,
Please tell me the full address of the post office. Thank you.
Charlotte says
As a summer project my daughter would love to send you a letter from Ethiopia! Is that possible? What is your address?
Jure says
HI there! Im Jure from Slovenia 😀 MY wish is to send you my postcards package to you! 😀 I really want you to have it and of course send you some wishes from much more warmer place heh. I love to visit penguins some day :/
Coolmons Blog says
Didn’t know there was postal service in Antarctica, interesting.
Arti says
Never in my dreams did I think that there exists a post office in Antarctica!!!
This is just amazing.
debndave says
Me either. It’s such a fun thing. I guess back in the day, ships passing through would take mail home for researchers and eventually they must have thought, let’s make a proper post office for everyone!
Austin Boat Rentals says
Such a nice collection of photos.I really feel amazed after seeing this.
promotenav says
This is quite cool to know. Quite a wonderful experience…
Vi says
How much is for post stamp?
Simon P says
Antarctica is the place I would most like to visit in the world! It’s such an interesting, creepy, lonely place. When I was at uni in Christchurch, New Zealand, I was tempted to take some science or geography papers that would actually have involved going on a trip to Antarctica – I wish I had now!
Amanda says
How cool. I got a postcard from Antarctica earlier this year, and thought that postal stamp was just about the coolest thing ever.
Mary @ Green Global Travel says
Wonder if the penguins send mail out as well… Interesting post!
Jump into the Photo says
Good old British! How long were you there for?
Aurora says
already on my list of places to go! made it as far as Punta Arenas……I think Antarctica as part of a cruise would be nice
Jennifer Dombrowski says
How cool! Sometimes I mail myself postcards from the really fun post offices. Some of my favorites have been the northernmost post office in Svalbard and the Santa Claus Post Office in Rovaniemi, Finland!
Jeanie says
Nice sharing of photo..How I wish I could visit this place someday its a beautiful place to visit..
Roy Marvelous says
Oh I was hoping you’d say there were Antartica stamps 🙂
Kae Lani | A Travel Broad says
A post office in Antarctica?! But of course! Where else would I mail my postcards from? Neat find, guys!
Damian Tysdal says
Fun to see this ‘space race’ to lay claim, and the museum actually looks very cool. Great photos as well.
John says
Beautiful photo! I hope I get to send a letter from there someday.
The Travel Tart says
So, did you post me a letter? ;P