Charles Wilkes

Charles Wilkes was a United States Navy officer, explorer, and controversial figure best known for commanding the United States Exploring Expedition of 1838–1842. His extensive survey of the Pacific Ocean and the Antarctic region produced a wealth of scientific data and collections that formed the foundation of the Smithsonian Institution. His later career was marked by his aggressive actions during the American Civil War, notably the Trent Affair, and a subsequent court-martial.

Early life and naval career

Born in New York City to a prosperous family, Wilkes was orphaned young and placed under the guardianship of John Murray. He entered the United States Navy as a midshipman in 1818, serving initially in the Mediterranean Squadron. He developed a strong interest in navigation, hydrography, and scientific studies, distinguishing himself as a skilled surveyor. Wilkes was appointed to head the Depot of Charts and Instruments in Washington, D.C., a precursor to both the Naval Observatory and the Hydrographic Office. His work there, including improving nautical instruments and charts, earned him recognition and positioned him for a major exploratory command despite his lack of formal command experience on large vessels.

United States Exploring Expedition

In 1838, Wilkes was given command of the historic United States Exploring Expedition, a squadron of six vessels including the flagship USS ''Vincennes'' and the USS ''Porpoise''. The ambitious mission aimed to survey the Pacific Ocean, promote commerce, and advance global science. The expedition's most celebrated achievement was the confirmation of Antarctica as a continental landmass in 1840, with Wilkes naming a long stretch of coastline Wilkes Land. The squadron extensively charted the Pacific Northwest, including the Columbia River and Puget Sound, visited the Samoan Islands and Fiji Islands, and conducted surveys in the Philippines. The voyage was also fraught with severe discipline problems, the loss of two ships, and several violent clashes with islanders in Fiji. Despite the controversies, the expedition returned with a vast trove of biological, ethnographic, and geological specimens that became the core collections of the newly established Smithsonian Institution.

Civil War service and court-martial

At the outbreak of the American Civil War, Wilkes, a staunch Union man, was given command of the steamer USS ''San Jacinto''. In November 1861, he provoked an international crisis known as the Trent Affair by intercepting the British mail packet RMS Trent in the Bahamas Channel and forcibly removing two Confederate diplomats, James Murray Mason and John Slidell. While initially hailed as a hero in the Northern United States, his action nearly brought Great Britain into the war against the Union, and the diplomats were later released. Promoted to commodore, he commanded the James River Squadron and participated in the Battle of Hampton Roads. His abrasive and insubordinate leadership style led to his removal from command and a court-martial in 1864, where he was convicted on charges of disobedience and conduct unbecoming an officer. He was suspended from duty for three years.

Later life and legacy

Wilkes was placed on the retired list in 1866 and was promoted to the rank of rear admiral on the retired list. He spent his later years in Washington, D.C., writing and defending his role in the Exploring Expedition. His massive, multi-volume Narrative of the United States Exploring Expedition was a significant publication, though his contentious personality limited his official recognition. The scientific legacy of his expedition is immense; the collections and reports profoundly influenced American science and helped establish the United States National Museum. Geographic features like Wilkes Land in Antarctica and Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania bear his name, commemorating his contributions to exploration despite a career marred by controversy and conflict.

Category:1798 births Category:1877 deaths Category:United States Navy rear admirals Category:American explorers Category:American polar explorers