Lasting Legacy of James Cook: A Look at the Influence on History

How the contributions of James Cook continue to shape the world today.

Captain James Cook was a renowned British explorer, cartographer, and naval officer celebrated for his three voyages (1768-1779) to the Pacific and Southern Oceans. He led the first recorded circumnavigation of New Zealand's main islands and became the first European to reach Australia's eastern coastline and the Hawaiian Islands. Cook's expeditions significantly expanded European knowledge of the Pacific, contributing greatly to navigation, cartography, and scientific exploration.

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Full Timeline Legacy & Impact

1928: Hawaii Sesquicentennial half-dollar

In 1928, a U.S. coin, the Hawaii Sesquicentennial half-dollar, was minted with Cook's image for the 150th anniversary of his discovery of the islands.

1931: Publication of "Five Visions of Captain Cook"

In 1931, Kenneth Slessor's poem "Five Visions of Captain Cook" was published, marking a "most dramatic break-through" in Australian poetry.

1970: James Cook University Opening

In 1970, James Cook University, the first institution of higher education in North Queensland, Australia, opened in Townsville.

1976: Statue of James Cook in Victoria, BC, Canada constructed

In 1976, a statue of James Cook was constructed in Victoria, BC, Canada.

1978: Captain Cook Birthplace Museum Opening

In 1978, the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum opened at the site of his birth in Marton to mark the 250th anniversary of Cook's birth.

1993: Erection of 'Bottle 'O Notes' artwork

In 1993, the Bottle 'O Notes, a public artwork by Claes Oldenburg, was erected in Middlesbrough's Central Gardens.

2002: Cook in BBC's 100 Greatest Britons poll

In 2002, James Cook was placed at number 12 in the BBC's poll of the 100 Greatest Britons.

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2003: Opening of James Cook University Hospital

In 2003, James Cook University Hospital, a major teaching hospital, opened.

2006: Construction of RRS James Cook

In 2006, the Royal Research Ship RRS James Cook was built to replace the RRS Charles Darwin.

2014: Opening of James Cook Railway Station

In 2014, James Cook Railway Station opened, serving James Cook University Hospital.

2018: 250th Anniversary of Cook's First Voyage

The period from 2018 marked the 250th anniversary of Cook's first voyage of exploration, which led to widespread public debate about his legacy.

July 2021: Statue torn down in protests

In July 2021, a statue of James Cook in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, was torn down during protests about the deaths of Indigenous residential school children in Canada.

2021: Debate and Vandalism of Memorials

In 2021, during the 250th anniversary of Cook's first voyage, memorials were vandalized, and there were calls for their removal due to alleged promotion of colonialist narratives.