Explorers & Adventurers · 20th Century
Amelia Earhart’s Last Words
“We are on the line 157-337. We will repeat this message. We are running on line north and south.”— Amelia Earhart, July 2, 1937 (declared dead January 5, 1939)
Who Was Amelia Earhart?
Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She disappeared over the Pacific during an attempt to circumnavigate the globe, creating one of history's greatest mysteries.
The Final Moments
Earhart's last words were radio transmissions to the USCGC Itasca as she and navigator Fred Noonan searched for Howland Island in the Pacific. They were never heard from again.
Are These Words Verified?
The Coast Guard vessel Itasca kept official radio logs of all transmissions from Earhart's aircraft. These primary documents are preserved in the National Archives and represent her last confirmed communications.
Sources
- firsthand USCGC Itasca radio logs, July 2, 1937
- archive National Archives records
- archive Official search and rescue reports
Legacy
Earhart remains the most famous female aviator and her disappearance is one of the most enduring mysteries of the 20th century.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Amelia Earhart’s last words?
“We are on the line 157-337. We will repeat this message. We are running on line north and south.”
How did Amelia Earhart die?
Amelia Earhart died on July 2, 1937 (declared dead January 5, 1939) at the age of 39. Cause of death: Disappeared over the Pacific Ocean.
Were Amelia Earhart’s last words documented?
The Coast Guard vessel Itasca kept official radio logs of all transmissions from Earhart's aircraft. These primary documents are preserved in the National Archives and represent her last confirmed communications.
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