Paradise
Captain James Cook, on his second voyage around the world, discovered the uninhabited Island on 10 October 1774, some thirty thousand centuries after Norfolk Island propelled itself above the ocean's surface.
Norfolk Island was essentially uninhabited up until Cook discovered the Island in 1774. Upon discovery, Cook named the Island in honour of the Duchess of Norfolk - a wife of the noblest peer of England. While the Island was uninhabited at the time of discovery, evidence of previous occupation by Polynesians has since been found.
Given the minute size and isolation of Norfolk Island, it's hard to imagine just how Cook managed to stumble across this Island Paradise. Cook was impressed by the native pine trees and flax on the Island. He judged (mistakenly) that the pines would be suitable for masts of large ships and that sail-cloth and cordage could be made from the flax. These resources were important factors in Cook's recommendation that Norfolk Island be secured for the British Crown.
A monument to Cook's discovery stands at Duncombe Bay, where Cook first landed on Norfolk Island.
Source: Norfolk Island - Map & Visitors Guide, Deptartment of Environment & Natural Resources
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