Charles Wilkes

Charles Wilkes (April 3, 1798 – February 8, 1877) was an American naval officer, ship's captain, and explorer. He led the United States Exploring Expedition (1838–1842).

Charles Wilkes
Born(1798-04-03)April 3, 1798
New York City, New York, U.S.
DiedFebruary 8, 1877(1877-02-08) (aged 78)
Washington, D.C., U.S.
Resting placeArlington National Cemetery, Arlington County, Virginia, U.S.
Known for
  • US Exploring Expedition
  • Trent Affair
Military career
AllegianceUnited States of America
BranchUnited States Navy
Years1818–1866
RankRear admiral
Commands held
  • USS San Jacinto
  • USS Wachusett
  • USS Tioga
  • USS Sonoma
WarsAmerican Civil War
Signature

During the American Civil War between 1861 and 1865, he commanded USS San Jacinto during the Trent Affair in which he stopped a Royal Mail ship and removed two Confederate diplomats, which almost led to war between the United States and the United Kingdom.

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.