George Vancouver

Vancouver participated in negotiations with Spanish officials at Nootka Sound to resolve territorial disputes. The Nootka Sound Convention established British rights to trade and settle in the region.

Vancouver led a British naval expedition to chart the Pacific Northwest coast from California to Alaska. He mapped the coastline with unprecedented accuracy, including Puget Sound and the Strait of Georgia.

Vancouver proved that Vancouver Island was an island by sailing around it. He named the island after himself, and the surrounding waters were charted for future navigation.

Vancouver visited the Hawaiian Islands during his expedition, conducting surveys and establishing friendly relations with King Kamehameha I. He provided the king with European goods and advice.