Famous for his explorations in the 18th century, British explorer and navigator Captain James Cook is often cited as an inspiration. After Cook’s birth in 1728, he didn’t embark on his first big trip until 1768, when he sailed the HMS Endeavour to the Pacific to witness the transit of Venus. His legendary career as an explorer began with this trip.

Cook’s later voyages, such as those aboard the HMS Resolution and the HMS Discovery, allowed him to survey and chronicle unknown territories and indigenous peoples. His travels were crucial in broadening European understanding of the Pacific and its people. Navigation and scientific knowledge were both improved by Cook’s meticulous mapping of coastlines and islands.

While on his travels, Cook visited several different locations, some of which were as far flung as the Pacific Northwest of North America and as distant as Australia and New Zealand. His interactions with native peoples sparked debate, but ultimately aided in our comprehension of their cultures and environments.

Sadly, in 1779, in Hawaii, Cook met a brutal end, bringing a stop to his travels. His contributions to maritime exploration, ethnography, and geography will live on even if his life was cut too short.