1795-1869

Australian Explorer

Charles Sturt was an Australian explorer best known for his expeditions down the Murrumbidgee and Murray Rivers in Australia. Born in India on April 28, 1795, and educated in England, Sturt entered the British Army at the age of 18. His military career took him to such places as Spain, Canada, France, and Ireland. In 1827, he traveled to Australia to become the military secretary to the governor of New South Wales, Ralph Darling. The following year, Darling commissioned Sturt to explore this new land.

Calling on his military field experience, Sturt organized and outfitted his group for anticipated hardships and difficult terrain. In December of 1828, he departed Wellington and soon came upon Macquarie, Bogan, and Castlereagh Rivers. He also discovered a new river, which he named Darling River in honor of his governor. On his second major trek, Sturt ventured along the mighty Murrumbidgee River, where...