Captain Cook’s Alaska: Retracing the 1778 Voyage on Foot and by Sea
The Third Voyage: Searching for the Northwest Passage
On July 27, 1778, British explorer James Cook set sail on his third and final voyage in search of the fabled Northwest Passage, a water route believed to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Canadian Arctic. Cook’s ship, the Resolution, accompanied by the Discovery, sailed north into the Bering Sea, bound for Alaska. Cook’s charts would eventually shape European understanding of Alaska, but his journey was also marked by disappointment and controversy.
Cook Inlet: A Frustrating Discovery
Cook entered Cook Inlet on July 29, 1778, in search of the passage. The inlet, named after the British explorer, stretches 180 miles from the Gulf of Alaska to the foothills of the Alaska Range. Cook’s journals describe the scenic beauty of the inlet, with towering mountains and abundant wildlife. However, his hopes of finding the Northwest Passage were dashed when he realized the inlet was a dead-end.
“This Inlet, which I had been so anxious to discover, proved to be of no consequence, and of no great extent.” – Captain James Cook, Journal of the Voyage of His Majesty’s Bark the Resolution
Cook’s disappointment was palpable, but he took the opportunity to explore the region. He mapped the inlet and its tributaries, including the Kenai River, which he named after the local indigenous people.
Captain Cook State Recreation Area: Hiking where Cook Anchored
Today, visitors to Alaska can relive Cook’s journey by hiking through the Captain Cook State Recreation Area on the Kenai Peninsula. The recreation area encompasses over 100,000 acres of wilderness, including the Kenai River and surrounding mountains. Hikers can follow the Cook Inlet Trail, a 14-mile route that takes them through old-growth forest and along the river’s edge. Camping sites are available within the recreation area, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the inlet.
- Cook Inlet Trail: A 14-mile hike that spans the Kenai Peninsula, offering stunning views of the inlet and surrounding mountains.
- Camping: Dispersed camping is allowed within the recreation area, with several designated campsites along the Kenai River.
- Regulations: Permits are required for camping and hiking in the recreation area. Visit the Alaska State Parks website for more information.
Points along Cook’s Route: Prince William Sound, Cook Inlet, Unalaska, Arctic Ocean Attempt
Cook’s journey continued through Prince William Sound, where he mapped the coastline and encountered the indigenous Unangan people. He sailed to Unalaska Island, where he spent several days trading with the Unangan and replenishing his supplies. Cook’s journals describe the Unangan as friendly and welcoming, but also fiercely independent.
“The inhabitants of this island, who are a part of the same nation as those of the Aleutian Islands, are a hardy and bold people, but not very hospitable to strangers.” – Captain James Cook, Journal of the Voyage of His Majesty’s Bark the Resolution
Cook’s attempt to reach the Arctic Ocean proved unsuccessful, as he was blocked by ice and harsh weather conditions. He eventually turned back, mapping the coastline and collecting valuable data on the region’s geology and wildlife.
The Unangan at Unalaska: Cook’s Interactions with Indigenous Peoples
Cook’s interactions with the Unangan people at Unalaska Island were marked by both curiosity and caution. The Unangan, also known as the Aleut, had been living in the region for thousands of years, with a rich cultural heritage and traditional way of life. Cook’s journals describe the Unangan as skilled hunters and gatherers, with a deep understanding of the region’s natural resources.
“The Aleutians are a very hardy and industrious people, and their country is rich in fish and other provisions. They are very friendly and hospitable to strangers, and are eager to trade with them.” – Captain James Cook, Journal of the Voyage of His Majesty’s Bark the Resolution
How Cook’s Charts Shaped European Understanding of Alaska
Cook’s charts of the Alaskan coastline were instrumental in shaping European understanding of the region. His maps provided valuable information on the geography, geology, and wildlife of Alaska, which would eventually inform European exploration and settlement of the continent.
Cook’s Legacy and Controversy
Cook’s legacy is complex and multifaceted, marked by both discovery and controversy. While his charts and journals provided valuable information on Alaska, his actions also had a profound impact on indigenous peoples. The Unangan, who had been living in the region for thousands of years, were displaced and marginalized by European settlement. Today, visitors to Alaska can honor Cook’s legacy while also acknowledging the cultural significance of the land.
Indigenous Peoples’ Perspective: They ‘Discovered’ Nothing, Just Arrived in Already-Inhabited Lands
The indigenous peoples of Alaska, including the Unangan and other Native groups, have a unique perspective on Cook’s journey. They see Cook’s arrival as a disruption to their way of life, rather than a discovery of new lands. This perspective is reflected in the words of the Unangan people, who have spoken out against the legacy of Cook and other European explorers.
“We did not ‘discover’ Alaska. Our ancestors lived here for thousands of years, long before Cook arrived. We were here, and we will always be here.” – Unangan elder, as quoted in the book “The Aleutians: People and Place” by James M. Fall
Learn More
- Kenai Peninsula: Explore the scenic beauty of the Kenai Peninsula, including the Captain Cook State Recreation Area.
- Prince William Sound: Learn about the geology and wildlife of Prince William Sound, which Cook mapped during his voyage.
- Cook Inlet: Discover the scenic beauty of Cook Inlet, which Cook explored during his voyage.
Sources
- National Park Service. (n.d.). Captain James Cook. Retrieved from www.nps.gov
- Captain Cook Society. (n.d.). Captain James Cook’s Journals. Retrieved from www.captaincooksociety.org
- Library of Congress. (n.d.). Captain James Cook’s Voyages. Retrieved from www.loc.gov
- British Library. (n.d.). Captain James Cook’s Maps. Retrieved from www.bl.uk