Crossing the Sahara desert by car in 1932 cemented the status of Eva Dickson as a pioneer of long-distance motoring. Born in 1905 at Steninge Palace, she balanced her life as a Swedish writer, pilot, and rally driver through a series of high-stakes expeditions that redefined the possibilities for lone female travelers during the early twentieth century.
Early Pursuits and Aviator Status
The daughter of Albert Lindström and Maria, Eva grew up at Ljung Castle. Her path diverged from traditional expectations early on; by 1923, she had become the third Swedish woman to earn her pilot's license. By 1925, she solidified her mechanical aptitude as one of the first female rally drivers in Sweden. Her initial marriage to Olof Dickson, a descendant of James Dickson, ended in 1932 as their perspectives on her independent lifestyle diverged.
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In 1932, Dickson encountered Baron Bror von Blixen-Finecke in Kenya. Following this meeting, she completed a notable drive from Nairobi to Stockholm, which earned her the distinction of being the first woman to cross the Sahara by vehicle. She returned to Kenya in 1934 to join scientific expeditions. Later, she documented the Abyssinia Crisis as a war correspondent for the Swedish newspaper The Weekly Journal, subsequently trekking 2,000 kilometres on muleback across the landscape to return to Kenya.
Transcontinental Ambitions
After marrying Bror von Blixen in New York City in 1936, the couple socialized with Ernest and Pauline Hemingway in Cuba and the Bahamas. In June 1937, Dickson embarked on a solitary drive from Stockholm toward Beijing. Her route encompassed Germany, Poland, Romania, Turkey, Syria, and Iran. Following advice to avoid dangerous regions, she navigated through India, where she fell ill in Calcutta. Hindered by health complications, limited funds, and the onset of the Second Sino-Japanese War, she ultimately abandoned the goal of reaching Beijing.
Final Journey and Legacy
While attempting to return to Europe, Dickson reached Baghdad in March 1938. Tragedy struck during a drive back to her hotel following a social engagement, when she lost control of her vehicle in a steep curve. She died in the crash at age 33. Her remains were transported to Stockholm, where she was buried on 22 April 1938.
Fast facts
- Born: 1905, Steninge Palace
- Died: 1938, Baghdad
- Citizenship: Swedish
- Early Achievement: Third Swedish female aviator, 1923
- Rally Driving: One of the first female rally drivers in Sweden, 1925
- Major Feat: First woman to cross the Sahara by car, 1932
- Spouse: Bror von Blixen-Finecke
- Final burial: 22 April 1938, Stockholm
Questions readers ask
What was Eva Dickson’s primary method of financing her travels?
She frequently funded her expeditions by making bets with wealthy members of society.
Why did Eva Dickson stop her 1937 trip to Beijing?
She encountered severe illness in Calcutta, faced financial constraints, and deemed the route to China impossible due to the outbreak of the Second Sino-Japanese War.
Achievements
- Recorded as adventurer, writer and rally driver
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