The U.S. Exploring Expedition, Lt. Charles Wilkes 1840 - 1841

Large-scale scientific investigation in Hawaii began with the visit of the United States Exploring Expedition in 1840. This expedition, which also visited many other parts of the Pacific, was under the command of Lt. Charles Wilkes. Among its many firsts, this expedition was the first overseas scientific project financed by the US government.

Its accomplishments were numerous, including the first extensive mapping of the Antarctic coastline, the first comprehensive charting of Fiji Islands, volcanic studies in Hawaii and elsewhere in the Pacific, and extensive survey work in the area of present-day Oregon and Washington.

Another major accomplishment from this expedition was the first mapping of the Hawaii volcanoes, including the summit of Mauna Loa, the crater of Kilauea on the Big Island and Haleakala on Maui.

The results of the U.S. Ex. Ex. were published in five-volumes. The narrative was written by Wilkes; the technical reports were done by scientists who accompanied the expedition. The botanical, zoological, and marine specimens brought back by the expedition formed the basic collections of the newly established Smithsonian Institution.