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Charles Darwin born
Charles Darwin was born on February 12, 1809, in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England. -
H.M.S. Beagle
Darwin embarks on the H.M.S. Beagle from December 27, 1831-October 2, 1836. He would later call this, "by far the most important event in my life", and the "first real training or education of my mind."(Darwin, 76-77). Darwin recorded his observations in 15 field notebooks which he labeled by location. During his journey, his notebooks go from mere observations to theories. To see path of the Beagle, go to https://youtube.com/watch?v=uLUxbmgtPKA -
Darwin arrives in the Galapagos Islands
Charles Darwin did not arrive in the Galapagos Islands until the H.M.S. Beagle was on its return route. Prior to his arrival, however, he had begun wondering "at the appearance of similar organisms in different environments and different organisms in similar environments" (Richards, 106-107). This observation would result in Darwin's Finches, 13 species of which he would take back to England. For a short video on Darwin's Finches, go to https://youtube.com/watch?v=125MBq8T77w -
Darwin and the H.M.S. Beagle return
The voyage was only to last for two years. Almost five years after embarking, the Beagle finally returned home. Darwin would then spend several years communicating with others, including ornithologist John Gould, and developing his evolutionary theory. -
Origin of Species is published
On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection is published. Charles Darwin's book creates controversy, but is the foundation for the theory of evolution, and is considered by many as one of the most important books on biology ever written. -
Charles Darwin dies in Downe, Kent
Although an agnostic, Darwin was given the highest British honor by being buried at Westminster Abbey, London.