Sighting of Norfolk Island by James Cook
- When
- 1774
- Where
- Norfolk Island
- Episodes
- 1
On 10 October 1774, Captain James Cook became the first known European to sight and land on Norfolk Island during his second voyage aboard HMS Resolution. The island was uninhabited at the time, though evidence of earlier Polynesian habitation was present.
Episodes
Background and detail
Voyage Context. Cook was commissioned in 1772 to lead a second scientific expedition to determine the existence of Terra Australis. After departing England, the ships traveled south, stopping at Cape Town in November 1772 before continuing their search for the hypothetical continent.
The Sighting. During the course of this second voyage to the South Pacific, Cook arrived at Norfolk Island on 10 October 1774. He is recorded as the first European known to have sighted and landed on the island, marking a significant discovery in the Pacific region.
Island Status. Norfolk Island was uninhabited when first settled by Europeans, although evidence of earlier habitation was obvious. East Polynesians had previously settled the island but had departed before the British colonization efforts began in 1788.
People involved
- James Cook · Captain and Explorer
Sources
- Norfolk Island Wikipedia, revision of 2026-09-30
- James Cook Wikipedia, revision of 2026-09-22
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