Quick Facts
Biography
Archibald McMurdo (24 September 1812 – 11 December 1875) was a British naval officer, for whom Antarctica's McMurdo Sound, McMurdo Station, McMurdo Ice Shelf, McMurdo Dry Valleys and McMurdo–South Pole Highway are named.
Biography
McMurdo joined the Royal Navy on 6 October 1824, at the age of 12. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant in 1836, Commander in 1843, and Captain in 1851. His career included two discovery expeditions aboard HMS Terror, the first to north of Hudson Bay, the second to Antarctica. During the latter, McMurdo Sound was discovered and named.
McMurdo achieved command of HMS Contest in 1846, which was detailed to the coast of west Africa. He retired as a vice-admiral.
McMurdo died at Cargenholm, Troqueer Parish, Kirkcudbrightshire on 11 December 1875. His estate was probated in Drumfries 3 February 1876. (ref.: England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1861–1941.)