Fish, and especially whales, were critical to American life, but their supply was dwindling. The growing population put pressure on the Chilean and Peruvian fishing grounds, and New England sailors had to venture out further than before, into frequently treacherous climates and unmapped reef-laden waters. A growing demand for the government to step in to support the industry pressured Congress to configure a mission to explore possible new commercial routes.

On this day, April 18, after a financing measure for the exploration of the Atlantic passed congress, four motley ships ships and a collection of around 600 scientists — neither very well equipped for the voyage — were assembled for the first American expedition to the South Pole.

After a final addition, Wilkes set out with a total of six ships, charged by the Secretary of the Navy to “to extend the empire of Commerce and Science; to diminish the hazards of the Ocean and point out to future navigators a course by which they may avoid dangers and find safety.” The reached Australia in December and found the antarctic ice floes in early 1840. The small area of the Antarctic continent charted out by the expedition is called Wilkes Land today.