George Vancouver was a British explorer and navigator born in 1757. He is best known for his detailed mapping of the northwestern coast of North America, particularly the areas now known as British Columbia and Washington State. Vancouver's expeditions contributed significantly to the understanding of the Pacific coastline and its geography. In 1791, Vancouver embarked on a voyage that lasted nearly four years, during which he explored and charted many coastal regions. His work laid the foundation for future exploration and settlement in the area. Vancouver passed away in 1798, but his legacy lives on through the many places named after him, including Vancouver, Canada.