When you hear the phrase “Northwest Passage”, most people think about Sir John Franklin’s expedition. Beechey Island is where he and his crew stayed for the winter between 1845-1846. The next year they were caught in ice and all on board eventually died. Franklin’s failed expedition led to a massive search for the Northwest Passage and Beechey Island was used as a base as well as a supply depot. Beechey Island is most well known for the 3 graves of Franklin’s crew located on the peninsula. It is believed that they had lead poisoning from the tin cans they used for food, that are now scattered around the island, as well as their water distillation system.