Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau is Born

Jun 12, 1817

He is born to John and Cynthia Thoreau

Life Span

Period: Jun 12, 1817 to May 6, 1862

College

Oct 20, 1833

Henry David Thoreau begins to study at Harvard. He excells and takes many more classes than are required.

American Scholar

Aug 31, 1837

After Thoreau graduates Raph Waldo Emerson, who will become a key influence in his life, gives his speech "American Scholar". Moved, Thoreau intoduces himself and the two become friends. This prompts Thoreau to join the Transcendentals club.

Dial

Oct 20, 1840

Thoreau helps to found the Transcendentalist journal "The Dial" He is a regular contributer with essays, poems, and translations.

Moves in with Emerson

Oct 20, 1841

Thoreau moves in with Emerson.

Walden Pond

Jul 4, 1845

Thoreau moves into a self built cabin on Walden pond for 2 years which inspires him to write "Walden"

Leaving Walden Pond

Sep 4, 1847

Thoreau finally leaves the pond and moves back in with Emerson.

Jail

Jul 20, 1848

Thoreau is jailed for failing to pay a poll tax. His experience in jail inspires his essay "Civil Disobedience"

Walden

Oct 20, 1854

Throeaus memoir of his time at Walden Pond is published. It is a huge success.

Death

May 6, 1862

Thoreau dies of Tuberculosis. He is burried in a casket covered in wild flowers as Emerson gives a eulogy.