Charles Wilkes was an American naval officer, explorer, and scientist who was born in New York City on April 3, 1798. He was the son of a British Loyalist who had fled to America during the American Revolution. Wilkes was educated at Columbia College and the United States Military Academy at West Point. After graduating from West Point in 1818, Wilkes joined the United States Navy and served in the War of 1812.
In 1838, Wilkes was appointed commander of the United States Exploring Expedition, a four-year scientific and surveying mission to the Pacific Ocean. The expedition was the first of its kind and was funded by Congress. Wilkes and his crew of six ships and hundreds of men explored the Pacific Ocean, the Antarctic, and the South Pacific. During the expedition, Wilkes and his crew mapped the coasts of the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, and discovered many islands and atolls. Wilkes also conducted extensive scientific research, including the first accurate measurements of the Earth's magnetic field.
In 1842, Wilkes returned to the United States and was promoted to the rank of commodore. He was then appointed superintendent of the United States Naval Observatory, where he continued his scientific research. Wilkes was also appointed to the Board of Visitors of the United States Naval Academy in 1845.
In 1845, Wilkes was appointed commander of the United States Navy's Pacific Squadron. During this time, Wilkes conducted a survey of the Oregon Territory and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. He also conducted a survey of the Columbia River and the Oregon coast. Wilkes also conducted a survey of the Hawaiian Islands and the California coast.
In 1849, Wilkes was appointed commander of the United States Navy's East India Squadron. During this time, Wilkes conducted a survey of the East Indies and the South China Sea. He also conducted a survey of the Philippines and the Ryukyu Islands.
In 1852, Wilkes was appointed commander of the United States Navy's Mediterranean Squadron. During this time, Wilkes conducted a survey of the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. He also conducted a survey of the coasts of Greece, Turkey, and Egypt.
In 1855, Wilkes was appointed commander of the United States Navy's Pacific Squadron. During this time, Wilkes conducted a survey of the Pacific Ocean and the coasts of South America. He also conducted a survey of the coasts of Mexico and Central America.
In 1858, Wilkes was appointed commander of the United States Navy's Atlantic Squadron. During this time, Wilkes conducted a survey of the Atlantic Ocean and the coasts of Europe and Africa. He also conducted a survey of the coasts of the United States.
In 1861, Wilkes was appointed commander of the United States Navy's Gulf Squadron. During this time, Wilkes conducted a survey of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. He also conducted a survey of the coasts of Cuba and Florida.
In 1862, Wilkes was appointed commander of the United States Navy's West India Squadron. During this time, Wilkes conducted a survey of the West Indies and the coasts of Central and South America.
In 1866, Wilkes retired from the United States Navy and returned to New York City. He died in New York City on February 8, 1877.
Charles Wilkes was an important figure in the history of the United States Navy. He was a skilled navigator and surveyor, and his surveys of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico coasts were invaluable to the United States. He was also a skilled scientist, and his research on the Earth's magnetic field was groundbreaking. Wilkes' legacy lives on in the United States Navy, and his contributions to the exploration and surveying of the world are still remembered today.