News Summary
Researchers have located Captain James Cook’s lost ship, HMS Endeavour, in Newport Harbor, Rhode Island, ending a decades-long search. This significant discovery, reported by the Australian National Maritime Museum, follows extensive research by historians. The Endeavour, known for its pivotal explorations in the 1700s and its complex history, highlights both European enlightenment and colonial impact on Indigenous peoples. Following collaborative efforts, definitive identification of the wreck site reinforces its historical importance, prompting initiatives for protection and further exploration of maritime history.
Rhode Island – Researchers have confirmed the long-speculated location of Captain James Cook’s lost ship, HMS Endeavour, in Newport Harbor, Rhode Island, effectively solving a decades-long mystery regarding its final resting place. This significant finding was reported by the Australian National Maritime Museum and offers new insights into one of history’s most notable maritime explorations.
Historians Mike Connell and Des Liddy first identified the potential site of the Endeavour in 1998. Following nearly 26 years of comprehensive archival and archaeological research, this announcement marks a major culmination of their efforts. The Endeavour is best known for its voyages across the Pacific in the mid-1700s, during which Captain Cook made notable explorations to Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia, and Hawaii. These voyages played a crucial role in the initiation of British colonization efforts in various territories, significantly impacting Indigenous peoples.
The ship, which serves as a dual symbol of European enlightenment and the subjugation of First Nations Peoples, has a storied history following Cook’s death. After its return to England, the Endeavour was repurposed for military transport and later served as a prison ship during the American Revolutionary War. In 1775, it was sold to private owners who renamed it Lord Sandwich. Subsequently, it was deliberately sunk in Newport Harbor in 1778 to block advancing French naval forces amidst the conflict.
Discovery and Identification Efforts
In 2022, Australian maritime experts suggested that the Endeavour might be among the shipwrecks in Newport Harbor. A collaborative effort was then formed between the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and the Australian National Maritime Museum to delve deeper into the ship’s identification and to ensure the site’s protection. The recently released report emphasizes the urgent need for legislative and physical measures to protect this historically significant wreck site.
After extensive underwater investigations and comparative analysis of shipbuilding practices, the report concludes that the wreck site RI 2394 represents the remains of HMS Endeavour. The research highlights distinctive shipbuilding patterns and matches timber components with those characteristic of 350-ton ships, consistent with the Endeavour’s specifications. While the Rhode Island Maritime Archaeological Project aims to investigate the potential identification of other shipwrecks, the museum’s report provides a definitive identification of RI 2394.
Historical Significance and Future Actions
The historical relevance of the Endeavour extends especially to Australia and New Zealand. Launched in 1764, it prepared for its exploratory voyages beginning in 1768, which notably included recording the Transit of Venus in Tahiti and charting previously uncharted territories in the Pacific. The accompanying historical report detailing the discoveries is accessible via the museum and archaeological project websites, and it has been presented to the Rhode Island State Archives, marking a significant addition to the state’s historical documentation.
The Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project undertook excavations from 2020 to 2021, with analyses continuing into 2023. While debates about the exact identity of RI 2394 persist, the report suggests that no further excavation is warranted unless definitive questions arise regarding the site. The continuing exploration of shipwrecks in the region holds promise for further enhancing the understanding of maritime history and its impact on our present.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- MSN News
- Wikipedia: Captain James Cook
- gCaptain
- Google Search: Captain Cook HMS Endeavour
- IFL Science
- Encyclopedia Britannica: American Revolution
- What’s Up Newp
- Google News: HMS Endeavour discovery
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
