Hiram Bingham III

explorer · archaeology · Inca · history

Found Machu Picchu. In 1911, Hiram Bingham brought attention to Machu Picchu, an ancient Inca citadel hidden high in the Peruvian mountains. Local indigenous farmers actually guided him to this incredible lost city that had been forgotten for centuries.

Explored Peru. Bingham was an American academic and explorer who traveled through Peru to study its history and discover ruins from the powerful Inca civilization that once ruled South America.

Shortest governor ever. In 1925, Bingham was governor of Connecticut for just one day, making it the shortest term any governor has ever served. He quit because he was also elected to the U.S. Senate and chose that job instead.

U.S. Senator. Bingham served in the United States Senate from 1925 until 1933, representing Connecticut and helping make laws for the country.

Academic and writer. Before his explorations and politics, Bingham was a teacher and scholar who studied history and wrote about his discoveries to share them with the world.