Historical Events tagged with "exploration"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Exploration & Discovery

Willem Barentsz Discovers Spitsbergen Archipelago

June 17th, 1596 428 years ago

Willem Barentsz, a Dutch navigator and explorer, is credited with the European discovery of the Arctic archipelago of Spitsbergen. During his expedition in search of a northeast passage to Asia, Barentsz's crew encountered the rugged and icy landscapes of Spitsbergen, which is part of what is now known as Svalbard. His journey provided valuable maps and documentation of this previously unexplored region, contributing significantly to European knowledge of Arctic geography.

Continue Reading
Exploration & Discovery

Barents and Heemskerk Discover Bear Island

June 10th, 1596 428 years ago

Willem Barents and Jacob van Heemskerk discovered Bear Island as part of their Arctic exploration in search of a Northeast Passage. This significant discovery occurred when Barents, commanding the ship 'Heemskerk,' set sail from Amsterdam with a fleet aiming to navigate the waters above Russia. The crew encountered extreme conditions, leading to the sighting of the previously uncharted Bear Island, located in the Barents Sea. Their explorations contributed to European knowledge of Arctic geography.

Continue Reading
Exploration & Discovery

John Davis Discovers the Falkland Islands

August 14th, 1592 432 years ago

In August 1592, English explorer John Davis made the first recorded sighting of the Falkland Islands during his expedition to the southern seas. Sailing aboard the ship Fortune, Davis was navigating in search of a passage to the Pacific, and on this journey, he spotted the islands located in the South Atlantic Ocean. This sighting marked a significant moment in maritime exploration, as it drew attention to these uncharted territories. Inspired by the potential for new routes and resources, the discovery would later influence future explorations and claims over the islands.

Continue Reading
Exploration & Discovery

John White's Return from Roanoke Colonies

October 24th, 1590 434 years ago

John White returned to England after failing to locate the missing colonists of the second Roanoke Colony, which he had established in 1587. His efforts to find any trace of the settlers who vanished without a trace were met with frustration, leaving him with unanswered questions about their fate. The colony, intended to be a foothold for English expansion in the New World, had become a mystery that intrigued and perplexed White and others in England.

Continue Reading
Exploration & Discovery

John White Returns to a Deserted Roanoke Colony

August 18th, 1590 434 years ago

John White, the governor of the Roanoke Colony, returned to find his settlement completely deserted. After a difficult journey to England for supplies, he discovered that all the colonists were missing, with no signs of struggle or conflict. The only clue remaining was the word 'CROATOAN' carved into a tree, hinting at the possible fate of the settlers. White's hopes of reunification were met with stark reality as he comprehended the mysterious disappearance of the colonists.

Continue Reading
Exploration & Discovery

Thomas Cavendish Returns from Circumnavigation Voyage

September 9th, 1588 436 years ago

Thomas Cavendish and his ship, the Desire, returned to Plymouth after completing the first deliberately planned voyage of circumnavigation. Setting sail in 1586, Cavendish’s mission aimed to find a western passage to the Spice Islands and demonstrate the potential of English maritime power. The journey took nearly two years, encountering treacherous waters and hostile encounters while traversing the globe.

Continue Reading
Exploration & Discovery

Second English Settlement at Roanoke Island

July 22nd, 1587 437 years ago

A second group of English settlers, led by John White, arrived on Roanoke Island, North Carolina, aiming to re-establish the colony that had been deserted. The settlers faced a challenging environment and hoped to thrive in a land previously inhabited by Native Americans. They were tasked with establishing a permanent settlement and exploring the resources of the region. Despite their intentions, the fate of this group would become one of the great mysteries of American history.

Continue Reading
Exploration & Discovery

First Colonists Land at Roanoke Island

August 17th, 1585 439 years ago

A contingent of colonists under Ralph Lane arrived in the New World to establish the Roanoke Colony. Sponsored by Sir Walter Raleigh, the group landed on Roanoke Island, current-day North Carolina, following the failed earlier attempts at settlement. Their mission was to establish a permanent English presence in America, collect data about indigenous peoples, and explore the resources available.

Continue Reading
Exploration & Discovery

John Davis explores Cumberland Sound's waters

August 8th, 1585 439 years ago

John Davis, an English navigator, sought the Northwest Passage through Cumberland Sound in the Arctic. He was driven by the desire for discovery and the potential for new trade routes. Davis and his crew braved treacherous northern waters, navigating the intricacies of the icy landscape. Their quest represented the age of exploration's relentless pursuit, as European powers sought faster routes to Asia and riches.

Continue Reading