The Beginnings of National Geographic

When almost three dozen scientist and explorers get together and start drinking something is bound to happen.

January 13, 1888

The National Geographic Society began on this date with a gathering of thirty-three explorers and scientists in a private Washington D.C. watering hole called the Cosmos Club. Their mission, besides having a good time, was to “organize a society for the increase and diffusion of geographical knowledge.” That sounds a little “heady” from …