Thomas Gilbert (sea captain) facts for kids
Thomas Gilbert was a British sailor and explorer from the 1700s. He is known for discovering several islands in the Pacific Ocean. These islands were later named the Gilbert Islands after him.
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Who Was Thomas Gilbert?
Thomas Gilbert was a British mariner, which means he was a sailor or captain. He lived in the 18th century, a time when many European explorers were sailing the world.
Gilbert's Voyages and Discoveries
In 1788, Thomas Gilbert was the captain of a ship called the Charlotte. Another captain, John Marshall, commanded the ship Scarborough. Both ships were part of the First Fleet. This fleet had just finished taking convicts to Botany Bay in Australia.
On their way back, Gilbert and Marshall sailed through an area of the Pacific Ocean. On June 17, 1788, they found a group of islands. These islands are now known as the Gilbert Islands. During this journey, they explored and described islands like Aranuka, Kuria, Abaiang, and Tarawa.
Gilbert made sketches of the islands he visited. These drawings still exist today.
What Is Thomas Gilbert's Legacy?
Thomas Gilbert left a lasting mark on the world. Several places are named after him.
Islands and Shoals Named After Gilbert
The group of islands he explored are called the Gilbert Islands. These islands are now part of the country of Kiribati.
Some underwater areas in the Spratly Islands are also named after him. These include the First, Second, and Third Thomas Shoals. They were found during the Scarborough's journey through the South China Sea.
The Country of Kiribati
The modern country of Kiribati is named after Thomas Gilbert. The name "Kiribati" is how his last name, Gilbert, is pronounced in the local Gilbertese language. This shows how important his discoveries were to the people of these islands.
