David Livingstone - Exploring the World

Explorer/Missionary Dateline:  March 19

Explorer and Missionary David Livingstone

David Livingstone, (1813-1873), Scottish missionary and explorer in Africa, is born on March 19, 1813,  in Blantyre, Lanarkshire. He is considered one of the world's greatest explorers.  He worked in a cotton factory in his hometown until he was 24. It was a pamphlet by a German missionary that inspired him to become a missionary. After studying medicine in London he was attracted to Africa by Robert Moffat who eventually became his father-in-law. He married Mary, Moffat's daughter, in 1844.


Dr David Livingstone first entered Africa as a missionary in 1841. He discovered the Zambezi River in 1851 and attempted to end the slave trade by introducing Christian ways. He crossed from the east to west of African coasts. Later, he was commissioned to explore the Zambesi (discovered Victoria Falls in 1855) and then the Upper Nile. There was much speculation on his health that Henry Morton Stanley was sent to find him. They eventually met in 1871 at a place called Lake Tanganyika.Dr David Livingstone could not be dissuaded in anyway to leave. He was able to publish various accounts of his travels. He died in Africa. His remains were buried in Westminster Abbey.

Suggested website to visit:  Livingstone Online


Image Credit:

David Livingstone. en.wikipedia.org. Public Domain