In 1853, American captain Mercator Cooper achieved one of the first documented landings on the Antarctic mainland at Oates Coast. This expedition marked a significant milestone in the exploration of Antarctica, as it provided critical information about the continent's geography and climate. Cooper's landing contributed to the growing interest in polar exploration during the 19th century, which would eventually lead to more extensive scientific research and exploration of the Antarctic region. His efforts helped lay the groundwork for future expeditions and the understanding of polar environments.

Mercator Cooper's landing on the Antarctic mainland in 1853 bolstered narratives of American polar heroism, influencing mid-19th-century literature. Poets like Walt Whitman incorporated themes of exploration and the sublime beauty of nature in their works, reflecting the era's fascination with the unknown.