In a groundbreaking announcement, researchers have confirmed the long-sought discovery of the HMS Endeavor, which has rested in the depths of the ocean for over 200 years. The ship, famously captained by James Cook on his first voyage, was an integral part of maritime history.
The Australian National Maritime Museum played a key role in this discovery, which resulted from nearly three decades of diligent archaeological research by both American and Australian historians and archaeologists.
Despite not being the exact ship James Cook sailed to Alaska, the finding allows experts to deepen their understanding of the voyages undertaken by this pioneering captain.
Cook Historian and Author Jim Barnett noted, “It’s unusual, of course, for it to be on the East Coast, because we typically associate Cook with his Pacific explorations on his third voyage.”
The HMS Endeavor was intentionally sunk during the American Revolution as part of a British naval strategy to blockade Newport Harbor, alongside several other ships, to prevent vital supplies from reaching American forces.
Coincidentally, while the Endeavor was being scuttled on the East Coast, Cook was exploring the Arctic regions of what would become Alaska.
Barnett remarked, “Cook actually left on his third voyage, which is the one we care about, in Alaska, at the time the American Revolution was beginning.” This connection highlights the simultaneous unfolding of significant historical events.
The name of Captain James Cook continues to resonate in contemporary Alaska; the city of Anchorage bears traces of his legacy, which date back almost 250 years to his exploratory expeditions.
Cook’s mission focused on locating the elusive Northwest Passage, a sea route believed to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, but he would not find it due to the unexpected vastness of North America, especially the landmass that would eventually be called Alaska.
Barnett observed, “Before Cook’s voyages, we didn’t have detailed knowledge of that region. Through his work, he successfully outlined the geography of Alaska with the help of a chronometer, which allowed him to determine latitude and longitude effectively.”
Shortly after Cook’s voyage, one of his crew members, George Vancouver, returned to Alaska to create detailed maps of the coastal areas. Barnett noted that Vancouver’s maps continued to be significant even into the 20th century.
While Cook spent limited time on shore during his travels to Alaska, he did interact with the Indigenous peoples of the region. Barnett emphasized, “Cook’s voyage was essential not just for establishing geographic knowledge, but also for documenting the native populations he encountered during his journey.”
During a historical event known as a ‘possession ceremony,’ Cook claimed the land surrounding what is now Cook Inlet in the name of the English crown. He buried a bottle filled with English coins at a location later named Point Possession.
According to Barnett, the Dena’ina people present during this ceremony were left bewildered.
The situation escalated further when Cook’s crew shot a dog that had been gifted to them by the Dena’ina. Although there are mixed accounts about the incident, it is widely acknowledged that this act left a lasting impression.
Aaron Leggett, senior curator of Alaska history and Indigenous culture at the Anchorage Museum, stated, “It was sort of a show of force. They’d never seen a gun before, but I think they were just completely taken aback.”
Leggett’s insights emphasize the colonial narrative that accompanied Cook’s explorations. While he acknowledged Cook’s contributions, he underscored the importance of recognizing the Indigenous perspectives surrounding such historical encounters. As the president of the Native Village of Eklutna, Leggett expressed the complexity of these historical legacies.
“It’s a mixed bag,” he said. “It’s kind of interesting. I don’t think it is as clear-cut as history often is—there’s a good and a bad.”
In Anchorage, next to the statue of Cook lies a sign that details the Dena’ina people’s names for the landscape, which represents an effort to educate visitors about local history.
Leggett collaborated on this project, stating, “The old joke is that Alaska history begins the day you get off the airplane.”
He highlighted the importance of understanding the history of the area, including recognition of the Indigenous populations that have resided there for centuries.
Overall, Cook’s voyages left an indelible mark on the history of Alaska, intertwining the fates of Indigenous peoples and European explorers. His statue in Anchorage stands as a reminder of this complex legacy, inviting contemplation on both the progress and the repercussions of exploration during an era marked by exploration and colonization.
image source from：alaskasnewssource
