About

In 1825, at a small and nondescript chalet above Zermatt in the Swiss Alps overlooking the Matterhorn (4,478 meters), a small group of Adventurers and Explorers gathered together for a conference. They had become frustrated with the various Western Governments that had for years monopolized and regulated exploration of their respective colonies and territories. The group’s grievances ranged from bureaucratic travel hindrances to corrupted commerce and trade arrangements to disproportionate nationalistic biases in distribution of records concerning anthropological and geographical discoveries.

In response, the group sought to form an organization that would plan, sponsor and execute expeditions of exploration, research and discovery to remote regions throughout the world. Additionally, they would accept the added obligation of documentation and archivization of encountered cultures, environments and geography. More importantly to them, their organization would operate free of the encumbrances of any one political entity and/or commercial corporation.

So it was that the Royal Exploration Corps, or R.E.C. as they came to be known, was chartered and established.

And, while at that same time there existed other societies and clubs of Adventures and Explorers (eg. S.E.A. – M.A.P. Adventures’ Club, Explorers Club, B.A Club, etc.), the R.E.C. would be distinguished among peers by a more structured, disciplined and formal approach to expeditions, and a chain of command that resembled a more military style of operation. (Indeed, while other clubs and societies had “Presidents” in their executive positions, the R.E.C. had a “Commander” as the top officer’s title/rank.) Furthermore, the R.E.C. would implement a modern documentation methodology that included new technologies (of the 19^th then later the 20^th centuries) the other groups had yet to fully embrace.

Yet notwithstanding the different approaches and styles of these other Adventuring groups, in a short time, the R.E.C. established good working relationships and would occasionally partner with them on various expeditions and concerns. In fact, many members of the R.E.C. also held membership in other Adventuring Societies and Clubs. For it was the R.E.C.’s belief that all with the fortitude and spirit for Adventure should be encourage and unincumbered in its pursuit.

Thus, the Royal Exploration Corps began and has continued to operate since 1825 – promoting, documenting and sharing the expeditions, travels and discoveries of its Adventuring members as well as supporting, embracing and encouraging fellow Adventurers from all over the world.

Daguerreotype image (c.1839) of the Swiss chalet where the Royal Exploration Corps. was founded - 1825.