Multimedia Gallery
- Topic: Navigating At Sea
One of six ships of the U.S. Exploring Expedition, the Porpoise sailed around the world between 1838 and 1842.
Snakes, South America (Callirhinus patagoniensis, Dendrophis prasinus)
Marine Chronometer, signed William Bond & Son, about 1867.
This sword made from shark teeth was collected by the U.S. Exploring Expedition in the Gilbert Islands.
Josiah Perkins Creesy, Jr. commanded the ship, and, uncommon for the time, his wife Eleanor navigated. As a child in Massachusetts, she had learned navigation skills from her seafaring father.
This map depicts their route and includes eyewitness accounts from crew members who had to navigate through unfamiliar seas and lands.
The Nautical Almanac, first published in 1766
A useful handbook of astronomical tables, meteorological information, and navigational instructions.
The U.S. Exploring Expedition included a formidable group of botanists, naturalists, artists, taxidermists, and other scientists.
Using a compass, depicted by Flemish artist Jan van der Straet, 1523-1605.
