Person

Charles Wilkes

American naval officer and explorer

b. 1798 CE – d. 1877 CE World The North Atlantic Lands

Charles Wilkes (April 3, 1798 – February 8, 1877) is an American naval officer and explorer.

He leads the United States Exploring Expedition, 1838-1842 and commands the ship in the Trent Affair during the American Civil War (1861–1865).

Although credited with several "firsts", his behavior leads to two convictions at court-martial.

Moran, J. (2017). Charles Wilkes. History Atlas. Retrieved 7 November 2026, from https://www.historyatlas.com/people/charles-wilkes/

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