May 10

Born in Tiverton, Rhode Island in 1755, Robert Gray began his career in the maritime fur trade of the Pacific Northwest. In 1790, he captained the ship Columbia Rediviva on the first American voyage to circumnavigate the globe. During his second expedition in 1792, Gray explored the Pacific coast and became the first Westerner to enter and chart the Columbia River. His detailed logs and charts were instrumental in future American claims to the Pacific Northwest. Gray’s achievements established his reputation as a pioneering navigator and explorer of the late 18th century. He died in 1806, leaving a legacy celebrated in maritime history.