Pacific Ocean Exploration Articles
Early Explorers of the Pacific Northwest
A Long Time Coming
Archived: 2024
Robert Heacock gives us his presentation on the early explorers of the Pacific Northwest starting with Vasco Núñez de Balboa (1513) and ending with the Tonquin (1810–1814).
George Vancouver in the Pacific Northwest
Three essays, one presentation, and a timline
Archived: 2022
Captain George Vancouver and Lewis and Clark: A round-about connection (essay) Captain George Vancouver’s Pacific Northwest Explorations (presentation) Originally titled Captain George Vancouver in Puget Sound, this presentation includes information of Vancouver’s exploration into the Columbia River and its connection to Lewis and Clark. Captain George Vancouver in Puget Sound (timeline) Not Worthy of More […]
Chronology of Pacific Northwest Exploration
A comprehensive timeline
Archived: 2024
This 262-page document is a timeline of exploration in the Pacific Northwest from the personal notes of Robert Heacock.
Russians on the PNW Coast
Archived: 2024
—DRAFT— In studying the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, we learn that President Thomas Jefferson, in his 1803 instructions to Captain Meriwether Lewis, wrote that Captain Lewis may meet a fur trading ship near the mouth of the Columbia River. President Jefferson was well aware of the level of exploration and trading on […]
The Russians at Fort Clatsop
How the "Juno" nearly met the Lewis and Clark Expedition
Archived: 2019
Over the years we have heard occasional comments about the potential of a ship taking the Lewis and Clark Expedition, or at least their journals and maps, from the Pacific Northwest to return to the east coast by ship in 1806. This presumably would have also allowed the Expedition to replenish their supply of food, […]
The Long Arm of Mount Hood
From Robert Gray to Lewis and Clark
Starting with Captain Robert Gray, this short article discusses Mt. Hood’s importance to Pacific Ocean exploration. It ends with Lewis and Clark confirming their location when they first spotted the mountain in fall 1805.
Lewis and Clark’s Return by Sea?
Not their best option
Archived: 2022
When the Lewis and Clark Expedition departed for their ‘expedition to the Westward’, they carried instructions from President Thomas Jefferson outlining the scope of their activities. This also included a suggested option for the return of both them and the results of their observations and activities in the form of their journals and maps. Excerpts […]
Lewis and Clark Timeline
Archived: 2025
The following comprehensive timeline of all things possibly related to the Lewis and Clark saga, were among the personal notes left by Robert Heacock. His hope was that other historians would find it useful. This editor has added headings and subheadings to assist navigating its 260 pages. The work has not been edited for historical […]