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George Washington Carver
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George Washington Carver born
The exact date of birth for George Washinton Carver is unknown, but it is best thought that it was sometime in 1864. He was born in Diamond (at that time Diamond Grove), Missouri to Giles and Mary. A couple that were enslaved to Moses and Susan Carver. The Carvers had a small farm in southwest Missouri. Replica foundation of the slave cabin where George lived until entering the main house is shown. -
Kidnapped by slave traders
George Washington Carver, along with his mother and sister, were kidnapped by slave traders from Arkansas and sold in Kentucky. He was the only one found and returned to the Carver farm in Diamond, Missouri. After Missouri repealed slavery George and his brother moved into the main house with the Carvers, where they were raised. -
George as an adolescent.
George was taught to read and write by Susan Carver. George was not a healthy boy so he worked mainly around the main house and spent a lot of time studying nature and plants. The Carvers hired a tutor for George, but it not long before he knew more than the tutor. -
First school that Carver was allowed to enter.
George left the Carver farm at around the age of 13 to attend an all black school in Neosho, MO. He introduced himself as Carver's George and was told by Mariah Watkins that from now on his name was George Carver. Throughout his life George said that statement made a deep impression on him. Pictured is a sketch of the Neosho school. -
Carver graduates from Minneapolis, KS high school
George Washington Carver moved around during his teen years, but eventually stayed with Ben and Lucy Seymour (ex-slaves) in Minneapolis, KS and finished his high school education. George had traveled around Kansas, never staying in one place too long until arriving at the Seymour's house. The school shown is actually the elementary school in Minneapolis, KS. -
George Washinton Carver's Homestead Beeler, KS
Carver decided to homestead and received land in 1886 near Beeler, KS, after being denied entry into various colleges in Kansas and Missouri because of his race. He would grow crops and sketch and study plants in the area and would often help other farmers. He lived there for about two years. -
Carver arrives in Winterset, Iowa
Part of reading on monument at George Washington Carver Park, Winterset, Iowa. George Washington Carver Arrived In Winterset In 1888. The Friendship And Encouragement He Found Here Rekindled His Dream, Provided New Direction To His Life And Started Him On The Road To Outstanding Scientific Achievements And Discoveries That Enhanced The Lives Of Millions. He stayed in Winterset almost two years. -
Carver at Simpson College, Indianola, Iowa
Carver walks 25 miles from Winterset, IA to Indianola, IA and is admitted to Simpson College. It is the first college to admit Carver. He studied art for one year at Simpson, before being encouraged by his teacher, Etta Bud, to atttend Iowa State College in Ames, IA. -
Carver has two paintings at Chicago World Fair
Carver is honored by having two of his paintings at the Chicago World Fair. One of his paintings won a runner-up award. He continued his painting as a hobby and would complete many works throughout his life. -
Receives B.Sc. Iowa State College
Carver graduated from Iowa State College (University) in 1894 with a Bachlor of Agriculture degree. He focused on botany and horticulture. He was the first black to enter Iowa State and faced discrimination. He was not allowed to live in the dorms and had to eat his meals in the kitchen with staff. But he excelled in his studies and was involved in many university activities. -
Receives Master Degree in Agriculture from Iowa State University
Carver was encouraged by his professors to stay on at Iowas State to study for his master's degree. He was the first African American student at Iowa State and became the first black student to receive a degree at Iowa State. Picture of microscope Carver received after getting his master's degree. -
Carver arrives at Tuskegee University as Agriculture Director
Carver had a choice to make and stay on as faculty at Iowa State University or move to Alabama and become the Agriculture Director at Tuskegee University. Carver thought his talents would be better served at Tuskegee so he could focus on improving agriculture for poor southern farmers. -
Carver devleops Jesup Wagon
Carver wanted to get information about improved agriculture methods to the farmers. He came up with the idea to develop a wagon (later a truck) that traveled around the countryside providing the latest information to farmers. It was called the Jesup Wagon to honor the financial backer of the project, Morris Jesup, a New York banker. -
Carter inducted to British Royal Society of Arts
Carter received a rare honor for an American and was inducted into the Britian's Royal Society of Arts. Also, Carter advised Mahatma Gandhi on agriculture practices. Carver was a friend of Henry Ford and it is reported that he was offered a job by Thomas Edison, but did not want to leave Tuskegee University. -
Carver's contributions included over 300 uses for peanuts
Over the years of research and development, Carver invented over 300 uses for peanuts, including a healing oil (pictured) for people with skin ailments. Additionally, he developed over 150 uses for other crops like sweet potatoes and chickpeas. Carver also developed a cookbook for poor southern, mostly black, farmers. -
George Washington Carver dies
After returning home, Carver takes a bad fall down a set of stairs and is found my a maid who takes him to the hospitial. He was around 76 years old. -
George Washington Carver national monument
By a unanimous vote of Congress the first national monument dedicated to someone other than a US president is officially approved for George Washington Carver. It is located near Carver's boyhood home in Diamond, MO. There is a 3/4 mile nature trail with the statue and park. -
US commemorative stamp
In 1948 (3 cents) and 1998 (32 cents) the US Postal Service issues George Washington Carver commemerative stamps. -
Carver on half-dollar
Carver was depicted on the US half-dollar from 1951 - 1954 with Booker T. Washington.
