Who was Captain Cook?
James Cook is one of the most famous explorers in history, known for his three voyages to the Pacific Ocean from 1768 to 1779. During this time, he mapped many previously unknown islands and coastlines, including Captain Cooks parts of Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, and other Pacific Islands.
Early Life
Cook was born on November 7, 1728, in Marton, Yorkshire, England. He grew up in a modest family and showed an interest in the sea from an early age. At 13 years old, he began his apprenticeship as a shopkeeper’s assistant to support his family. However, at 19 years old, Cook ran away with one of the apprentice’s sisters, and later returned after settling down with her.
Career Beginnings
In 1755, during the Seven Years’ War between Britain and France, Cook joined the Royal Navy as a simple seaman on the HMS Eagle in Newfoundland. He was an ambitious sailor who climbed the ranks quickly due to his navigation skills and experience on various ships. In 1768, after impressing Lord John Montagu (the First Earl of Sandwich) with his map of Madeira’s harbor entrance, Cook became captain of the ship that would be assigned for a groundbreaking scientific mission.
Captain of His Own Ship
On January 25, 1770, James Cook and three ships set off on what was known as the first world voyage in recorded history. These vessels were HMS Endeavour (then known as HM Bark Endeavour), plus two supporting frigates – Discovery’s half-sister, HMS Adventure, which went awry before even reaching South America but joined later under a different captain – and the sloop HMS Resolution with HMS Providential. By this voyage, Cook demonstrated an understanding of astronomy, cartography (mapping), meteorology, botany (plant study) as well as oceanic conditions such as tides & weather.
A Voyage in Search for Terra Australis
While sailing through New Zealand, James Cook encountered numerous Polynesian tribes who welcomed him at first but grew hostile soon after. After he and his crew mapped the coastline extensively they set out across Bass Strait into a part of Australia known now today – though unknown then – to become the British claim on that vast continent. Further along this southern voyage his crew mapped parts of modern-day New South Wales.
In 1777, Cook took command again in the Second Voyage aboard the Resolution and was entrusted by King George III with yet more groundbreaking discoveries. He sailed as far north as 71°30″N latitude during their time at sea but they turned back to head home when bad weather set in near Newfoundland – on October of that same year.
Cook’s Legacy
Throughout these voyages, James Cook left behind an incredible collection of research and cartographic work for the next centuries’ explorers. At a total cost to the British government estimated at £100,000 pounds (over 17 times what it would take Britain to put down its most costly rebellion – or to create this great new fleet we see here today!) he mapped nearly all islands then in existence as known prior.
A Year After his Final Voyage
During that year following completion of the last expedition conducted by James Cook, there were those who felt an overwhelming gratitude toward him because what had just transpired. Many thanks flowed through these years that followed.
