~ 1728 - 1779
James Cook was an English navigator and explorer, born on October 27, 1728, in Marton, Yorkshire. He is best known for his three voyages in the Pacific Ocean, during which he made detailed maps of New Zealand and the eastern coastline of Australia, significantly contributing to the European knowledge of the region. Cook's expeditions also included significant interactions with indigenous peoples and the first European contact with the Hawaiian Islands. He was killed in Hawaii on February 14, 1779.