After

A view of the habitations in Nootka Sound, Vancouver Island Copyright/Source

Many people believe that James Cook was the greatest maritime explorer who ever lived. His extensive mapping and exploration of the Pacific Ocean helped outline large sections of the world map as we now know it. His expeditions contributed much to European scientific knowledge of the Pacific. The botanists who accompanied Cook on his first voyage collected over 3,000 plant species. Artists on board his ships created, through their paintings and sketches, a visual record of places, people and events. Cook also set an example of how a responsible captain cared for his ship and crew.

Many more explorers built on Cook's voyages: George Vancouver (who had sailed on Cook's second and third voyages), years later captained the Discovery on his voyage to the west coast of North America.