George C. Sheldon K2 expedition papers

The George C. Sheldon K2 expedition papers comprise diaries, black and white photographs, black and white negatives, color slides, copies of letters, expedition reports, telegrams, newspaper clippings, and a magazine issue. The materials belonged to George C. Sheldon (D '40), a member of the 1939 expedition that attempted to summit K2 in the Himalayas. The materials document the ocean voyage to India, the overland journey to the base of K2, the climb up the mountain, and the return trip. Sheldon's article describing the journey, "Lost Behind the Ranges," published in the "Saturday Evening Post" in March, 1940, is included in the collection. The materials include derogatory language about low-wage Indian workers.

The expedition, known as the Second Karakoram Expedition, was sponsored by the American Alpine Club. Two other Dartmouth students, Jack Durrance (D '39) and Chappell Cranmer (D '40), were also members of the expedition. The expedition came within 800 feet of reaching the summit of K2. After four members of the expedition were lost, the expedition became the subject of controversy.