Charles Sturt
Charles Sturt
================
Full Name and Common Aliases
Charles Sturt was born as Charles Napier Bell Sturt on July 2, 1795. He is often referred to by his initials C.S.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: July 2, 1795
Died: July 1, 1869 (aged 73)
Nationality and Profession(s)
Sturt was a British explorer, naval officer, and colonial administrator. He is best known for his extensive explorations of Australia's interior.
Early Life and Background
Charles Sturt was born in Newent, Gloucestershire, England to Charles Sturt and Mary Napier Bell. His father was an army officer who later became the Governor of Bombay. The family moved several times during Sturt's childhood due to his father's military career. As a result, Sturt received little formal education but developed an interest in mathematics, geography, and natural history.
Major Accomplishments
Sturt joined the Royal Navy at age 12 and began his exploration career as a naval officer. He took part in several expeditions to South Africa and Australia during this period. In 1828-1830, Sturt led an expedition to map the interior of New South Wales and explore the Murray River. This journey was significant for its discovery of new lands, geological features, and indigenous cultures.
Notable Works or Actions
Sturt's most notable work is his expedition report "Two Expeditions into the Interior of Southern Australia During the Years 1828-29" (1833). The book provides valuable insights into the region's geology, climate, and native inhabitants. Sturt also contributed to the development of cartography by creating detailed maps of the regions he explored.
Impact and Legacy
Charles Sturt's contributions to Australian exploration had a lasting impact on the country's development. His expeditions expanded the understanding of Australia's geography and helped establish its borders. The region now known as Victoria was named after Queen Victoria, but initially it was called Sturt's Lake by his party in 1829.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Sturt is widely quoted for his quotes on exploration, perseverance, and the importance of staying true to one's goals. His legacy continues to inspire people interested in exploration and scientific discovery.
Quotes by Charles Sturt
The staple of our Australian colonies, but more particularly of New South Wales, the climate and the soil of which are peculiarly suited to its production, – is fine wool.
The greatest disadvantage under which New South Wales labours, is the want of means for conveying inland produce to the market, or to the coast.
The most serious disadvantages under which the colony of New South Wales labours, is in the drought to which it is periodically subject.
We left Oxley's Table Land on the morning of the 31st of January, pursuing a northern course through the brush and across a large plain, moving parallel to the smaller hill, and keeping it upon our left.
It is not, perhaps, generally known that a committee has been formed in Sydney, to advise settlers as to the best mode of proceeding on arrival there.
I did not feel myself equal either to the task or the responsibility of venturing any remarks on the Colony of New South Wales itself.
We had been unable to persuade any of the natives of Wellington Valley to accompany us as guides, on our leaving that settlement.
If we strike a line to the N.W. from Sydney to Wellington Valley, we shall find that little change takes place in the geological features of the country.
The increasing importance of Sydney must in some measure be attributed to the flourishing condition of the colony itself, to the industry of its farmers, to the successful enterprise of its merchants, and to particular local causes.
These matters having been arranged, I had a temporary awning erected near the river, and was for three or four days busily employed writing an account of our journey for the Governor's information.