HIRAM BINGHAM III

BIRTH AND DEATH

Birth: 11/19/1875     Death: 6/6/1956

OCCUPATION

scientist

BIOGRAPHY SUMMARY

Hiram Bingham III was an American academic, explorer and politician. In 1911, he publicized the existence of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu which he rediscovered with the guidance of local indigenous farmers. Later, Bingham served as the 69th Governor of Connecticut for a single day in 1925—the shortest term in history. He had been elected in 1924 as governor, but was also elected to the Senate and chose that position. He served as a member of the United States Senate until 1933.

NOTABLE WORK

WHY THEY MATTER

Hiram Bingham III was intellectually unique for his groundbreaking discovery and subsequent publicizing of Machu Picchu, shedding light on the ancient Inca civilization. His ability to navigate the worlds of academia, exploration, and politics demonstrated a versatile mind capable of making significant contributions in various fields. Additionally, his brief but eventful term as Governor of Connecticut and subsequent service in the United States Senate showcased his adaptability and versatility as an intellectual and public figure.

FAMOUS QUOTE

... after six hours and a half of climbing from Camp No. 4, we stood on the top ofCoropuna.We found the top almost flat for an area of nearly an acre. It is oval in shape, 100 feet north and south, and 175 feet east and west. It falls off rather abruptly on the north side, moderately on the west, and very gently for some distant to the south and east.It is almost impossible to describe the view. Snow-capped ranges lay to the north and east. Isolated peaks covered with snow and occasionalglacierssprang up here and there in the great desert solitudes, but there was hardly an atom of green to be seen anywhere. We stood on top and in the middle of a dead world. Not even acondorwas in sight. We might have been on the moon.(March 1912)The Ascent of Coropuna.Harper's Monthly Magazine124(742): 491–502.(quote from p. 501)

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