Edmund Fanning American explorer, captain Date of Birth: 16.07.1769 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Career
2. Whaling and Pacific Exploration
3. Representing American Interests
4. Later Life and Legacy

Early Life and Career

Born in 1769 in Stonington, Connecticut, Edmund Fanning first sailed as a cabin boy at the age of 14. By 24, he commanded a brig and embarked on his first voyage to the South Pacific.

Whaling and Pacific Exploration

Fanning excelled as a merchant, amassing a considerable fortune through the China trade. He sold whale skins and purchased silk, tea, and spices. Between 1797 and 1798, while captaining the ship "Betsey," Fanning discovered three islands in the South Pacific: Fanning Island (now Tabuaeran), Washington Island (now Teraina), and Palmyra Island. These islands are collectively known as the Fanning Islands.

Representing American Interests

Fanning represented American commercial interests in over 70 expeditions and voyages. His partnership company, "Fanning & Coles," constructed the ship "Tonquin" in 1807. Fanning used this vessel for several circumnavigations, later selling it to the "Pacific Fur Company" for $37,000. The "Tonquin" was famously burned by Native Americans in the Northwest.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1829, Fanning assisted in fitting out the government-sponsored "Wilkes Expedition." His memoir, "Voyages Around the World," was published in 1833. Edmund Fanning passed away in 1841 in New York City.