George Vancouver

George Vancouver (June 22, 1757 – May 12, 1798) was an officer of the Royal Navy, and an explorer best known for his exploration of North America, including the Pacific coast along Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia; he also explored the southwest coast of Australia. He was born in King's Lynn, England.

Early career

George Vancouver's first voyage to the Pacific was aboard Captain James Cook's HMS Resolution on Cook's second voyage of exploration, from 1772 to 1775. It was Vancouver's first naval service. He was only fifteen years old.

Related Topics:
Captain James Cook - HMS Resolution - 1772 - 1775

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Vancouver served under Cook again, during his third voyage of discovery, this time aboard the Resolution's sister ship, HMS Discovery. This voyage lasted from 1776 to 1779.

Related Topics:
HMS Discovery - 1776 - 1779

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Upon his return to Britain in 1779 Vancouver was commissioned as a lieutenant. His first post as a lieutenant was serving aboard the sloop HMS Martin, on patrol duties in the English Channel.

Related Topics:
Commissioned - Lieutenant - HMS Martin - English Channel

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The next vessel Vancouver served in was the 74-gun ship of the line HMS Fame. The Fame was one of the vessels participating in the British victory in the Battle of the Saintes in 1782.

Related Topics:
Ship of the line - HMS Fame - British - Battle of the Saintes - 1782

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While serving on the West Indies station Vancouver was able to put the surveying and cartographic skills he learned under Cook to use surveying Port Royal and Kingston Harbour. He was assisted in this task by Joseph Whidbey, who later served as his sailing master during his voyage of exploration.

Related Topics:
West Indies - Surveying - Cartographic - Port Royal - Kingston Harbour - Joseph Whidbey - Sailing master

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In 1789 the Royal Navy was planning another voyage of exploration to the Pacific. It was to be commanded by Henry Roberts, another of Captain Cook's protégés. Vancouver was to be his second in command. HMS Discovery was purchased specifically for this mission.

Related Topics:
1789 - Henry Roberts - Protégé - HMS Discovery

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However, a dispute when Spanish forces seized Nootka Island in Nootka Sound put the expedition on hold. Spain and Britain came close to going to war. An accommodation was arrived at, the Nootka Convention, and war was avoided. But the preparations for war had disrupted the preparations for the expedition.

Related Topics:
Spanish - Nootka Sound - Nootka Convention

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By the time the convention had been signed Roberts was no longer available to lead the expedition. Vancouver was given command.

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