James Cook

exploration · navigation · Pacific Ocean · maps

Master mapmaker. Cook was so skilled at drawing accurate maps of coastlines that his charts were some of the best ever made. Sailors used his maps for over a hundred years because they were so precise and helpful.

Pacific explorer. Between 1768 and 1779, Cook led three huge ocean voyages exploring the Pacific Ocean and nearby waters. He discovered and mapped New Zealand, Australia's east coast, and the Hawaiian Islands for Europeans to know about.

Careful captain. Cook was famous for taking care of his crew during long voyages by making sure they had fresh food and clean ships. This was unusual at the time, and it meant fewer sailors got sick on his journeys.

Science explorer. Cook didn't just look for treasure or land to claim. He studied animals, plants, weather, and ocean currents, making him a scientist as well as a navigator.

Tragic ending. In 1779, Cook was killed during a conflict with Hawaiian people on the Big Island of Hawaii while trying to get fresh water and supplies.