Enlightenment · Oceania · Exploration

1779

Hawaiian Priests Return Cook's Bones

February 14, 1779

In the days after the killing, the Hawaiians - honoring a fallen chief by ancient custom - distributed Cook's body among the ariki. Eventually they returned portions to his officers for sea burial. Charles Clerke took command and wept over the package. The Resolution and Discovery eventually reached home. Cook never did.

More from 1779 Enlightenment

In context

Also in 1779 (3 other events on record)

Cook Killed at Kealakekua Bay · Oceania · Exploration
Crompton Invents the Spinning Mule · Europe · Science
Spain Enters the American War · Europe · War

Before and after in Oceania

Before: January 18, 1778: Cook Reaches Hawaii
After: January 26, 1788: First Fleet Arrives at Botany Bay

Before and after in Exploration

Before: January 18, 1778: Cook Reaches Hawaii
After: January 7, 1785: First Channel Crossing by Balloon

Era

Enlightenment (1651–1800), one of 696 events from that era on Saeculum.