Charles William Barkley 1759-1832
Charles William Barkley was a British maritime fur trader who made significant geographical discoveries along the Pacific Northwest coast while commanding the ship Imperial Eagle in 1787. He is best known for exploring the west coast of Vancouver Island—where he named Barkley Sound—and for definitively locating and naming the long-rumored Strait of Juan de Fuca. Notably, he was accompanied on this voyage by his wife, Frances, who became the first European woman to visit the Pacific Northwest. Although his original logs and charts were later appropriated by rival trader John Meares, Barkley's expedition played a pivotal role in mapping the region and advancing the early maritime fur trade.
Ship’s captain and fur trader; b. 1759, son of Charles Barkley; d. 16 May 1832 in Hertford, England.
Biographical Overview
- Lived from 1759 to 1832
- Born: Jan 1, 1759, Glasgow, Scotland
- Died: May 16, 1832, Hertford, England
Historical Events
- No referenced events linked
Entry Details
Related Online Resources
- No external online resources or related links found
Last updated: 2026-09-30