Captain James Cook was a renowned British explorer, cartographer, and naval officer celebrated for his groundbreaking voyages in the Pacific Ocean. Between 1768 and 1779, his three expeditions focused heavily on New Zealand and Australia. Prior to these Pacific voyages, he meticulously mapped Newfoundland. Cook's Pacific expeditions led to significant discoveries, including the first recorded European contact with Australia's eastern coastline and the Hawaiian Islands. Additionally, he achieved the first recorded circumnavigation of New Zealand. Cook's detailed mapping and exploration significantly expanded European understanding of the Pacific region.
1928: Hawaii Sesquicentennial Half-Dollar
A U.S. commemorative half-dollar coin bearing Captain Cook's image was issued in 1928 to mark the 150th anniversary of his arrival in Hawaii. Its limited mintage has made it a valuable collector's item.
1931: Five Visions of Captain Cook Published
Kenneth Slessor's influential poem "Five Visions of Captain Cook," considered a landmark in 20th-century Australian poetry, was published in 1931.
1935: Transfer of Cook Documents and Memorabilia
In 1935, a significant portion of the Cook Collection's documents and memorabilia, initially acquired by the Australian Museum in 1894, were transferred to the Mitchell Library in the State Library of New South Wales. This separated the physical artefacts from the written records associated with Cook's voyages.
1959: Cooktown Re-enactment Begins
The first re-enactment of Cook's 1770 landing at Cooktown, Australia was performed in 1959. This event commemorates a peaceful interaction between Cook and a Guugu Yimithirr elder, preventing potential conflict.
1970: James Cook University Opens
James Cook University, the first institution of higher education in North Queensland, Australia, opened in Townsville in 1970, further solidifying Cook's legacy in the region.
1978: Captain Cook Birthplace Museum Opens
The Captain Cook Birthplace Museum, commemorating the 250th anniversary of Cook's birth, opened in Stewart Park, Marton, England in 1978.
1992: Sahlins-Obeyesekere Debate
In 1992, Gananath Obeyesekere challenged the prevailing view, championed by Marshall Sahlins, that some Hawaiians had deified Captain James Cook as an incarnation of the god Lono. This sparked a significant academic debate about Cook's reception in Hawaii and the interpretation of cultural encounters.
1993: Bottle 'O Notes Erected
Claes Oldenburg's public artwork, the Bottle 'O Notes, a tribute to Cook, was erected in Middlesbrough's Central Gardens in 1993.
2002: Cook Ranked in 100 Greatest Britons
In 2002, Captain Cook was ranked number 12 in the BBC's poll of the 100 Greatest Britons.
2003: James Cook University Hospital Opens
The James Cook University Hospital, a major teaching hospital, opened in Middlesbrough, England, in 2003.
2006: RRS James Cook Launched
The Royal Research Ship RRS James Cook was commissioned in 2006, replacing the RRS Charles Darwin in the UK's Royal Research Fleet.
2014: James Cook Railway Station Opens
The James Cook railway station, serving the James Cook University Hospital, opened in Middlesbrough, England in 2014.
2018: 250th Anniversary of Cook's First Voyage
The 250th anniversary of Cook's first voyage of exploration, marked between 2018 and 2021, sparked public debate about his legacy, particularly regarding his impact on Indigenous populations.
July 2021: Statue of James Cook Torn Down in Canada
In July 2021, amidst protests surrounding the deaths of Indigenous children in Canadian residential schools, a statue of James Cook was torn down in Victoria, British Columbia.
2021: Debate Over Cook's Legacy Intensifies
The period of 2018-2021, encompassing the 250th anniversary of Cook's first voyage, saw increased scrutiny and debate about his legacy, including vandalism of memorials and calls for their removal due to colonialist interpretations.
January 2024: Statue of James Cook Damaged in Australia
In January 2024, a statue of James Cook located in St Kilda, Melbourne, was vandalized and cut down during a protest against colonialism. Following this incident, the Victorian Premier committed to collaborating with the local council to restore the damaged statue.