John Franklin was a British naval officer and explorer born in 1786. He is best known for his expeditions in the Arctic, particularly his ill-fated journey to find the Northwest Passage in 1845. Franklin's expedition included two ships, the HMS Erebus and the HMS Terror, but they became trapped in ice, leading to the loss of all crew members. Despite extensive search efforts, Franklin and his crew were never found, sparking numerous expeditions to uncover their fate. His legacy includes contributions to Arctic exploration and the ongoing interest in the Northwest Passage, which remains a significant maritime route today.