James Cook
Explorer and cartographer of the Pacific
Born
November 7th, 1728
296 years ago
Died
February 14th, 1779
246 years ago — 50 years old
Category
Explorers & Adventurers
Country
United Kingdom
Links & References
An English captain, cartographer, and explorer made three significant voyages to the Pacific Ocean. The first voyage from 1768 to 1771 mapped New Zealand and the eastern coastline of Australia, claiming the territory for Britain. The second voyage from 1772 to 1775 crossed the Antarctic Circle and explored various islands in the South Pacific. The third voyage from 1776 to 1779 aimed to find the Northwest Passage. The explorations contributed to the knowledge of the geography and biodiversity of the Pacific region and established navigational routes that would influence maritime trade.
Mapped New Zealand and eastern Australia
Claimed Hawaii for Britain
Explored the South Pacific extensively
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