History of James Cook in Timeline

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James Cook

Captain James Cook was a British Royal Navy officer, explorer, and cartographer renowned for his three voyages to the Pacific and Southern Oceans (1768-1779). He led the first recorded circumnavigation of New Zealand and the first recorded European visit to eastern Australia and the Hawaiian Islands. His expeditions significantly expanded European knowledge of these regions through detailed charting and observations, contributing immensely to navigation and scientific understanding of the Pacific.

1959: Annual Reenactment of Cook's Landing Begins

Since 1959, an annual reenactment of Cook's 1770 landing has been held near Cooktown, supported by the local Guugu Yimithirr people. The reenactments celebrate a reconciliation where a local elder presented Cook with a broken-tipped spear as a peace offering.

2006: RRS James Cook Built

In 2006, the Royal Research Ship RRS James Cook was built to serve in the UK's Royal Research Fleet.