Sailing the Spray, a vessel he restored himself, Joshua Slocum achieved the status of the first person to circumnavigate the globe single-handedly. This feat transitioned his life from a long career in commercial merchant shipping to global fame as an author, cementing his legacy through his 1900 bestseller, Sailing Alone Around the World.
Early Maritime Life
Born in 1844 in Mount Hanley, Nova Scotia, Slocum developed an early aversion to the restrictive life of his family's farm. At fourteen, he began his maritime career as a cabin boy and cook on a fishing schooner. By sixteen, he left his home permanently, eventually qualifying as a Second Mate at eighteen while working on British merchant vessels that took him to China, the Philippines, and San Francisco.
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After settling in San Francisco in 1865 and obtaining American citizenship, Slocum transitioned from serving as a mate to commanding his own ships. Between 1869 and 1889, he acted as master of eight different vessels. He gained his first personal ship, the ninety-ton schooner Pato, in 1874 after managing the construction of a steamer in Subic Bay. His career was marked by maritime incidents, including the wreck of the Washington in Alaska, and subsequent command challenges aboard the Northern Light 2.
Family and Final Voyage
In 1871, Slocum married Virginia Albertina Walker. The couple had seven children, many of whom were born at sea during his merchant voyages. Following the death of his wife in 1884 while docked in Buenos Aires, Slocum continued his life at sea. His career culminated in his historic solo journey. He disappeared at sea in November 1909 while aboard the Spray, marking the end of his life at age 65.
Fast facts
- Born: 1844, Mount Hanley
- Died: 1909, Atlantic Ocean
- Nationality: United States
- Primary accomplishment: First solo circumnavigation of the globe
- Notable work: Sailing Alone Around the World (1900)
- Significant vessel: Spray
- Occupations: Writer, explorer, seafarer
Questions readers ask
What happened to Joshua Slocum?
He disappeared at sea in November 1909 while sailing on his boat, the Spray.
Did Slocum have a family?
Yes, he married Virginia Albertina Walker in 1871 and they had seven children together.
Achievements
- Recorded as explorer, writer and seafarer
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