Henry Morton Stanley was a Welsh-American explorer and journalist, best known for his expeditions in Africa during the 19th century. He gained fame for his search for the missionary and explorer David Livingstone, who had gone missing in Africa. Stanley eventually found Livingstone in 1871, greeting him with the famous phrase, "Dr. Livingstone, I presume?" Stanley is also recognized for his exploration of the Congo River and his role in the establishment of King Leopold II of Belgium's control over the Congo Free State. His journeys contributed significantly to European knowledge of central Africa and sparked interest in the region's resources.