James Cook

James Cook joined the British Navy in 1755, at age 27.

In July of 1776 Cook set sail on his third voyage, again in Resolution, to look for a possible northern sea route between Europe and Asia.

In 1778 he became the first know European to reach the Hawaiian Islands.

Later in 1778 Cook sailed up the northwest coast of North America, and was the first European to land on Vancouver Island in British Columbia.

He continued up the coast through the Bering strait, and entered the Arctic Ocean. Great walls of ice blocked the expedition, so Cook headed back for the Hawaiian Islands.

On February 14, 1779 Cook was stabbed to death by Hawaiian natives while investigating a theft of a boat by an islander. The expedition arrived back in England in October of 1780.

Captain Cook's voyages lead to the establishment of colonies throughout the Pacific by several European countries. He is considered one of the world's greatest explorers.