John Stewart

John Stewart (1749-1822), known as Walking Stewart, was an English adventurer.

Born in London, the son of a linen draper, he worked for the East India Company in Madras. However, he resigned after repeated quarrels and decided to travel in the area. Journeying entirely on foot, he visited Hindustan, Persia, Nubia, Abyssinia, the Arabian Desert and Constantinople. He then crossed Europe, visiting most of its countries before returning to England.

In 1791 he crossed the Atlantic Ocean and began a second journey on foot, visiting all parts of the then-settled areas of the USA and Canada.