On This Day

Captain Robert Gray is the first European to discover Grays Harbor (Washington state)

Robert Gray (May 10, 1755 – c. July 1806) was an American merchant sea captain who is known for his achievements in connection with two trading voyages to the northern Pacific coast of North America,...

Robert Gray (May 10, 1755 – c. July 1806) was an American merchant sea captain who is known for his achievements in connection with two trading voyages to the northern Pacific coast of North America, between 1790 and 1793, which pioneered the American maritime fur trade in that region. In the course of those voyages, Gray explored portions of that coast and in the year 1790 he completed the first American circumnavigation of the world. He was also noted for coming upon and naming the Columbia River, in 1792, while on his second voyage.

Gray's earlier and later life are both comparatively obscure. He was born in Tiverton, Rhode Island, and may have served in the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War.

Historical Significance

Robert Gray (May 10, 1755 – c.

Events Before

  1. Long-distance communication speeds up with the unveiling of a semaphore machine in Paris

    Long-distance communication speeds up with the unveiling of a semaphore machine in Paris

  2. Constitution of May 3 is proclaimed by the Great Sejm (Parliament) of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the first mode

    Constitution of May 3 is proclaimed by the Great Sejm (Parliament) of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the first modern constitution in Europe

  3. The new French Constitution, declaring France a constitutional monarchy, is passed by the National Assembly during the F

    The new French Constitution, declaring France a constitutional monarchy, is passed by the National Assembly during the French Revolution

  4. Wolfgang Mozart's dramatic opera "La Clemenza di Tito" premieres at the Estates Theatre in Prague

    La clemenza di Tito (The Clemency of Titus), K. 621, is an opera seria in two acts composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to an Italian libretto by Caterino Mazzolà, after Pietro Metastasio.

  5. Emma, Lady Hamilton (26) marries Sir William Hamilton (60) at St Marylebone Parish Church in London

    Emma, Lady Hamilton, was an English model, dancer and actress. She began her career in London's demi-monde, becoming the mistress of a series of wealthy men, culminating in the naval hero Lord...

Events After

  1. French King Louis XVI sentenced to death by the National Convention during the French Revolution

    Louis XVI was the last king of France before the fall of the monarchy during the French Revolution.

  2. Louis XVI of France is executed by guillotine in Paris, following his conviction for high treason by the newly formed Na

    Louis XVI of France is executed by guillotine in Paris, following his conviction for high treason by the newly formed National Convention during the French Revolution

  3. Scottish explorer Alexander Mackenzie completes the first European east-to-west crossing of America north of Mexico

    Sir Alexander Mackenzie (1764 – 12 March 1820) was a Scottish-Canadian explorer and fur trader known for accomplishing the first crossing of North America north of Mexico by a European in 1793.

  4. Alexander aged 15, later Tsar Alexander I, grandson of Catherine the Great, marries German princess Louise of Baden (Eli

    Alexander aged 15, later Tsar Alexander I, grandson of Catherine the Great, marries German princess Louise of Baden (Elizabeth Alexeievna) aged14

  5. The wedding of Prince Friedrich Ludwig of Prussia and Frederica of Mecklenburg-Strelitz takes place.

    The wedding of Prince Friedrich Ludwig of Prussia and Frederica of Mecklenburg-Strelitz takes place.

More from the 1790s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on May 7, 1792?
Robert Gray (May 10, 1755 – c. July 1806) was an American merchant sea captain who is known for his achievements in connection with two trading voyages to the northern Pacific coast of North America, between 1790 and 1793, which pioneered the American maritime fur trade in that region. In the course of those voyages, Gray explored portions of that coast and in the year 1790 he completed the first American circumnavigation of the world.
Why is Captain Robert Gray is the first European to discover Grays Harbor (Washingto... significant?
Robert Gray (May 10, 1755 – c.

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