Chapter 1: Early Life and Challenges

George Washington Carver faced numerous hardships from the very beginning of his life. He was born around 1864 to Mary and Giles, a couple enslaved by Moses and Susan Carver. Tragically, Giles passed away shortly before George’s birth, likely due to an accident. Just weeks after his arrival, slave traders abducted George, his mother, and his sister. Thankfully, a rescue mission was launched, and George was retrieved after his mother was exchanged for a “very fine race horse.” Unfortunately, his mother and sister remained lost to the traders. Thus, by the age of two months, George was already an orphan.

With his mother gone, the Carvers took George and his brother, James, into their home. Moses and Susan treated the boys with kindness, raising them as their own. In his autobiography, George expressed gratitude, noting, “Mr. and Mrs. Carver were very kind to me…They encouraged me to secure knowledge, helping me all they could.”

As a child, George was frail and often ill, leading many to believe he would not survive. However, he demonstrated a strong work ethic and a passion for learning early on. He spent countless hours exploring the nearby woods, developing a deep curiosity about nature. He famously stated, “I literally lived in the woods. I wanted to know the name of every stone and flower and insect and bird and beast.” His enthusiasm for plants earned him the nickname “the plant doctor,” as neighbors frequently sought his help with their gardens.

George's education was limited due to the lack of schools for Black children in his area, but his desire to learn was unwavering. At the age of ten, he discovered a school about eight miles from his home. With no money or stable lodging, he embarked on this journey, staying in an old barn and taking on jobs, including cooking for affluent families, to earn his keep. He also learned to do laundry, which would become a vital skill for his survival. He was adamant about earning his way, stating, “I would never allow anyone to give me money no difference how badly I needed it.”

“There is no shortcut to achievement. Life requires thorough preparation — veneer isn’t worth anything.” — George Washington Carver

George applied to multiple colleges and was accepted to one, but upon arrival, he was turned away due to his race. Undeterred, he applied to Iowa State Agricultural College (now Iowa State University), where he became the first Black student. While he faced racial discrimination, he maintained a positive outlook and focused on his education. Support from friends and faculty helped him navigate these challenges, including a teacher who offered him a room when he struggled to find dormitory accommodations. As noted by a researcher, “This young man had an unusual spirit and a forgiving heart.”

After graduating, George completed a Master’s in Agriculture in 1896. His impressive reputation as a botanist caught the attention of Booker T. Washington, who invited him to lead the agricultural department at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. George accepted, expressing his lifelong ambition to benefit his community: “Of course it has always been the one great ideal of my life to be of the greatest good to the greatest number of ‘my people’ possible.”

Chapter 2: Transforming Agriculture

As George made his way to Tuskegee Institute in 1896, he noted the stark contrast between the lush landscapes of Iowa and the cotton fields of Alabama: “When my train left the golden wheat fields and the tall green corn of Iowa for the acres of cotton, nothing but cotton, my heart sank a little…not much evidence of scientific farming anywhere.” His move to Tuskegee marked the beginning of a 47-year association that would profoundly influence both the institute and countless communities around the globe.

George dedicated himself to improving the lives of farmers by promoting sustainable agricultural practices. He aimed to reduce their dependence on cotton, which had depleted the soil over time, and sought to help them achieve greater prosperity. “It has always been my aim...to make him prosperous and contented at home,” he explained.

To address the pressing issue of soil depletion, George turned to legumes, particularly peanuts, which he recognized as a potential solution to enrich the soil and diversify farmers' income. He initiated the “movable school,” a traveling wagon that brought agricultural education directly to farmers, demonstrating techniques and offering guidance in their own fields.

Although George is often mistakenly credited as the inventor of peanut butter, he did create an extensive range of products derived from peanuts, including food, cosmetics, dyes, medicine, and industrial goods. His research led to a dramatic increase in peanut cultivation, with acreage growing from half a million to over four million between 1915 and 1918.

In the later stages of his career, George's influence extended well beyond Tuskegee and the U.S. He became a prominent agricultural scientist, sought after by leaders and innovators alike, despite the racial challenges he faced.

George passed away on January 5, 1943, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and service. His epitaph reflects his life’s philosophy: “He could have added fortune to fame, but caring for neither, he found happiness and honor in being helpful to the world.”

Explore the inspiring story of George Washington Carver in "The Story of George Washington Carver | Amazing Scientists | SciShow Kids," which sheds light on his groundbreaking contributions to science and agriculture.

Delve deeper into Carver's extraordinary life with "George Washington Carver: An Uncommon Life," highlighting his unwavering spirit and dedication to helping others.

Sources:

• Johnston, Frances Benjamin, photographer. George Washington Carver, full-length portrait, seated on steps, facing front, with staff. Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/2004671560/>.
• Kremer, Gary R. George Washington Carver: In His Own Words. United States, University of Missouri Press, 2013.
• Love, Rose Leary. “George Washington Carver: A Boy Who Wished to Know Why.” Negro History Bulletin, vol. 30, no. 3, 1967, pp. 15–19. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/24766769. Accessed 5 Oct. 2023.