People of the United States Exploring Expedition

The United States Exploring Expedition, commonly referred to as the Wilkes Expedition, was a major scientific and exploratory mission undertaken by the United States from 1838 to 1842. Commanded by Lieutenant Charles Wilkes of the United States Navy, the expedition aimed to explore and survey the vast, largely uncharted territories of the Pacific Ocean, Antarctica, and the Northwest Coast of North America. The expedition consisted of several ships, most notably the USS Vincennes and the USS Peacock.