Mo'orea

Early European influence

The first European to sight the island was Pedro Fernandes de Queirós, in 1606. The first European settlers arrived during the 18th century. The first Europeans to arrive on the island were the Englishmen Samuel Wallis and James Cook. Captain James Cook first landed on Tahiti, where he planned the 1769 Transit of Venus observed from Tahiti and Moʼorea. Cook arrived in October 1777 and obtained supplies on the island. This was the first contact the islanders had with Europeans, and on 6 October, one of Cook's goats was stolen while grazing ashore. After negotiations failed to return the goat, two large armed parties were sent ashore to set fire to houses and boats on the island. Eventually, the goat was returned, and Cook departed Mo'orea.