Charles Darwin's Milestones

Charles Darwin was an English naturalist and biologist who developed the theory of evolution by natural selection, publishing On the Origin of Species and transforming our understanding of life on Earth.
1809

Birth

Charles Darwin was born in Shrewsbury, England, to Robert Darwin and Susannah Wedgwood.

Family February 12, 1809
1817

Early education and interest in nature

Attended Shrewsbury School and developed an early interest in natural history and collecting specimens.

Education September 1, 1817 - September 1, 1825
1825

Attended University of Edinburgh

Studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh but left without a degree; joined the Plinian Society and began studying marine invertebrates.

Education October 1, 1825 - June 1, 1827
1828

Attended Cambridge

Studied at Christ's College, Cambridge, intending to become a clergyman.

Education January 1, 1828 - June 1, 1831

Mentored by John Stevens Henslow

Mentored by botanist John Stevens Henslow at Cambridge, who encouraged his interest in natural science.

Relationship October 1, 1828 - June 1, 1831
1831

Fieldwork with Adam Sedgwick

Accompanied geologist Adam Sedgwick on a field trip to Wales, gaining experience in geology.

Achievement August 1, 1831 - August 20, 1831

Voyage on HMS Beagle

Sailed around the world on HMS Beagle, collecting specimens and making observations that led to his theory of evolution.

Achievement December 27, 1831 - October 2, 1836
1839

Married Emma Wedgwood

Married his cousin Emma Wedgwood.

Relationship January 29, 1839
1842

Published 'The Structure and Distribution of Coral Reefs'

Published his first major scientific book on coral reef formation.

Achievement May 1, 1842

Settled in Down House

Moved to Down House in Kent, where he lived and worked for the rest of his life.

Location September 14, 1842
1851

Published barnacle monographs

Published a series of monographs on barnacles, establishing his reputation as a leading biologist.

Achievement January 1, 1851 - December 31, 1854
1859

Published 'On the Origin of Species'

Published 'On the Origin of Species,' introducing the theory of evolution by natural selection.

Achievement November 24, 1859
1871

Published 'The Descent of Man'

Published 'The Descent of Man,' applying evolutionary theory to human evolution.

Achievement February 24, 1871
1882

Death

Charles Darwin died in Downe, Kent, and was buried in Westminster Abbey.

Other April 19, 1882