Joseph Billings facts for kids
Joseph Billings (born around 1758, died 1806) was an English sailor and explorer. He spent most of his life working for the Russian government. He was known for making maps and exploring new places.
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Life of Joseph Billings
Early Years
Joseph Billings was probably born in Yarmouth, England. His father was also a fisherman. Records he signed in Russia say he was born in 1761. From a young age, he worked on coal ships. Later, he became an apprentice to a watchmaker.
From 1776 to 1780, Billings was a sailor on Captain James Cook's last big voyage. He first served on the ship HMS Discovery. Later, he moved to HMS Resolution in 1779. After this important journey, he was promoted to a higher rank. In 1783, he asked to join the Russian navy.
The Billings Expedition
In 1785, Empress Catherine the Great of Russia asked Joseph Billings to lead a new expedition. They wanted to find the Northeast Passage, a sea route through the Arctic. Gavril Sarychev was his assistant. Carl Heinrich Merck was the expedition's scientist. Martin Sauer helped as a secretary and translator. Other important leaders included Robert Hall and Christian Bering. This expedition lasted until 1794.
Some people thought the expedition cost too much money for what it found. However, it achieved many important things. The team made accurate maps of the Chukchi Peninsula in Siberia. They also mapped the west coast of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. Explorers landed on Kodiak Island. They also explored the islands and land around Prince William Sound.
The expedition also counted the native people living on the Aleutian Islands. They reported to the Empress about unfair treatment by Russian fur traders.
Later Career
After the expedition, Joseph Billings stayed in the Russian Navy. He asked to be moved to the Black Sea Fleet. From 1797 to 1798, he surveyed the Black Sea. He later published an atlas (a book of maps) from this work. In November 1799, he retired and moved to Moscow.
Billings passed away in Moscow on June 18, 1806. He was likely about 48 years old.
Billings' Legacy
Cape Billings in Russia's Chukotka region is named after him.
Billings Glacier on Passage Peak in Alaska was also named after him in 1908.
