Charles Wilkes

Profession: Naval Officer and Explorer

Nationality:

Biography: Charles Wilkes was an American naval officer and explorer best known for his exploration of the Pacific Ocean during the United States Exploring Expedition. The expedition, also known as the Wilkes Expedition, was authorized by Congress in 1836 and took place between 1838 and 1842. It marked a significant period of exploration and scientific discovery, with numerous geographical features and species being discovered and described for the first time.

One of the major accomplishments of the expedition was the confirmation of the existence of a continent in the southern polar region, later known as Antarctica. While the British explorer James Cook had previously sailed around Antarctica, he did not confirm its existence as a continent. Wilkes and his crew were able to provide that confirmation, with the land they discovered subsequently being named "Wilkes Land" in his honor.

In addition to his explorations, Wilkes served in the American Civil War, commanding the Union ship USS San Jacinto during the Trent Affair, a diplomatic incident between the United States and Great Britain. Following the war, he wrote a detailed account of his explorations and later served as a commodore in the U.S. Navy.

Born: April 3, 1798
Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA
Star Sign: Aries

Died: February 8, 1877 (aged 78)