On This Day

Charles Wilkes

explorer

Born: Died: American

Charles Wilkes (April 3, 1798 – February 8, 1877) was an American naval officer, ship's captain, and explorer. He led the first United States Exploring Expedition (1838–1842). During the American Civil War (1861-1865), he commanded USS San Jacinto during the Trent Affair incident in which he stopped a British Royal Mail ship and forcibly removed two Confederate diplomats, almost leading to war between the United States and United Kingdom.

Notable For

American explorer

Charles Wilkes's Historical Timeline

  1. United States Exploring Expedition headed by Charles Wilkes departs for the Pacific Ocean and Antarctica

    The United States Exploring Expedition of 1838–1842 was an exploring and surveying expedition of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding lands conducted by the United States.

  2. American naval expedition under Charles Wilkes is first to identify Antarctica as a new continent

    American naval expedition under Charles Wilkes is first to identify Antarctica as a new continent

  3. American Charles Wilkes discovers the Shackleton Ice Shelf in Antarctica

    Antarctica ( ) is Earth's southernmost and least-populated continent. Situated almost entirely south of the Antarctic Circle and surrounded by the Southern Ocean (also known as the Antarctic Ocean),...

  4. Charles Wilkes dies

    Charles Wilkes, American explorer, known for american explorer, died on 1877-02-08. Charles Wilkes (April 3, 1798 – February 8, 1877) was an American naval officer, ship's captain, and explorer.

Associated Historical Events

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Charles Wilkes born?
Charles Wilkes was born on 1798-02-08 (American).
What is Charles Wilkes known for?
American explorer
What historical events involved Charles Wilkes?
Charles Wilkes was involved in 4 recorded historical events, including United States Exploring Expedition headed by Charles Wilkes departs for the Pacific Ocean and Antarctica, American naval expedition under Charles Wilkes is first to identify Antarctica as a new continent, American Charles Wilkes discovers the Shackleton Ice Shelf in Antarctica.
When did Charles Wilkes die?
Charles Wilkes died on 1877-01-01.

Related Years