Hut of Ernest Shackleton now preserved as historical shrine. Cape Royds, Antarctica, is a dark rock cape forming the west extremity of Ross Island, facing on McMurdo Sound. When Shackleton went into McMurdo Sound in 1908 he decided to build a hut at Cape Royds. The whole shore party lived in this hut through the winter of 1908. Shackleton left in the spring and never returned. A letter was left inside, stating that there were sufficient provisions and equipment to last fifteen men for one year, indicating the details of these provisions. The letter ended with an invitation for any succeeding party to make what use they required of stores and hut. The hut was then locked and the key nailed on the door in a conspicuous place.