Skip to main content
Advanced Search
Image Not Available for An Exploring Expedition on the Canal Street Plan
An Exploring Expedition on the Canal Street Plan
Image Not Available for An Exploring Expedition on the Canal Street Plan

An Exploring Expedition on the Canal Street Plan

Maker (American)
Date1838
Object number00050209
NameLithograph
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 335 x 508 mm
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionThe United States Exploring Expedition was an exploring and surveying expedition of the Pacific Ocean conducted by the United States Navy from 1838–1842. The voyage was authorized by Congress in 1836. However, as this lithograph shows, not everyone was supportive of the endeavour. The expedition ended up being of major importance to the growth of science in the United States.HistoryThe US Exploring Expedition was the first government funded scientific hydrographic survey undertaken by the United States. The four-year voyage from 1838-1842 was lead by Lieutenant Charles Wilkes and comprised a naval squadron of six vessel. The flagship of the fleet was the sloop of war USS Vincennes.SignificanceThis lithograph presents a comic view of the US Exploring Expedition that indicates that not all Americans supported the idea of a government funded expedition.