United States Exploring Expedition

The United States Exploring Expedition under the command of United States Naval Lieutenant Charles Wilkes was a major attempt on the part of the United States government to explore and survey the Pacific Ocean and surrounding areas. The expedition left Norfolk, Virginia on August 9, 1838, and returned to New York on June 10, 1842. It is sometimes referred to as the "Wilkes Expedition" or the "U.S. Ex. Ex."