On SGU were there ships sent out before Destiny? I ask because who built the stargates before it?

Destiny's mission is to find the edge of the universe, but it obviously has a course plotted that stops in solar systems with stars to recharge its batteries and there is also always stargates in range thus far. The ship has been traveling for a million years or more according to the show. Someone has been further than where the ship is currently if there are gates within range every time is leaves FTL to refuel and resupply. My question I suppose is where was Destiny's starting point if the ancients placed gates so far out in front of it? Were other ships sent out ahead of Destiny to build gates along the trajectory it would be taking or why didn't they just gate to the furthest possible planet and make that Destiny's starting point? I am just curious if anyone has any thoughts on my very convoluted question. Thanks fellow nerds.