Commanding the first United States Exploring Expedition between 1838 and 1842, Charles Wilkes navigated the globe to conduct extensive maritime surveys and scientific data collection. This mission logged approximately 87,000 miles, charted unknown islands, and verified the existence of Antarctic coastline, fundamentally shaping nineteenth-century American oceanography and hydrographic standards through rigorous measurement and meticulous documentation.
Early Development and Naval Career
Born in New York City in 1798, Wilkes was the great-nephew of John Wilkes. Following the death of his mother in 1802, his aunt Elizabeth Ann Seton oversaw his upbringing, during which he acquired proficiency in French. After attending boarding school and Columbia University, he entered the United States Navy in 1818 as a midshipman. By 1826 he had attained the rank of lieutenant, later refining his technical skills through the nautical charting of Narragansett Bay in 1833.
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Authorized by Congress in 1836, the expedition consisted of six vessels including the USS Vincennes and USS Peacock. Departing Hampton Roads in 1838, the crew circumnavigated the earth, documenting the Tuamotu archipelago, Samoa, and New South Wales. In 1840, the fleet reached Antarctica, charting 1,500 miles of its coast. During subsequent operations in Fiji and Hawaii, the expedition conducted gravity measurements on Mauna Loa and compiled nautical charts that remained in official use until World War II.
Scientific Contributions and Final Years
Upon returning to New York in 1842, Wilkes focused on the publication of his findings. He authored the multi-volume Narrative of the United States Exploring Expedition and oversaw the production of 19 scientific reports between 1844 and 1874. His professional standing was marked by his membership in the American Philosophical Society and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, alongside receiving the Patron’s Medal in 1848. He died in 1877 and was interred at Arlington National Cemetery.
Wartime Service
During the American Civil War, Wilkes served as a commander of the USS San Jacinto. He became central to the 1861 Trent Affair when he intercepted a British Royal Mail ship to remove two Confederate diplomats. This maneuver resulted in a significant diplomatic crisis between the United States and the United Kingdom.
Fast facts
- Born: 1798, New York City
- Died: 1877, Washington
- Military Rank: Admiral
- Education: Columbia University
- Expedition Command: 1838-1842
- Awards: Patron’s Medal (1848)
- Burial: Arlington National Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was the primary goal of the Wilkes Expedition?
The mission was intended to explore and survey the Southern Ocean, determine the location of doubtful islands and shoals, and assist scientific navigators.
What happened to Wilkes after his circumnavigation?
He was court-martialed for the loss of a ship, the treatment of subordinate officers, and excessive punishment of his sailors, resulting in an acquittal on most charges.
Achievements
- Patron’s Medal
- Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
- Recorded as explorer, naval officer and geographer
