George Washington Carver
Botanist, Chemist, Scientist, and Inventor
George Washington Carver - Mini Bio
Carver at Tuskegee Institute
After Carver graduated from Iowa State, Booker T. Washington asked him to come and lead the agricultural department at Tuskegee Institute. He received a room double the size of anyone else, as well as a large salary. Carver taught students about the importance of crop rotation, alternative cash crops, and ways to help farmers reclaim their land after the Boll Weevil infestation of 1892. Carver helped Tuskegee Institute with his helpful insight on agriculture, as well as setting up a mobile "Jesup Wagon" for his students to study and learn in.
Carver's Impact
Carver began to share his findings and research with the rest of the world. He taught farmers the importance of peanuts, soybeans, sweet potatoes, and pecans and how they could help give back vital nutrients to depleted soil. Carver also shared his inventions made from parts of peanuts like plastics, paints, dyes, and even gasoline. Carver was quickly admired for his findings by Roosevelt, politicians, and Britain. Britain even made him a member of the British Royal Society of Arts. Carver even inspired Gandhi!
The Legacy of Carver
In conclusion, Carver left such a positive mark on society, that a museum was dedicated to him after he died. Sadly, a fire broke out in December 1947, but a foundation, botanical gardens, and a monument were all established in his honor. Carver not only helped southern farmers and gained respect for his race, but also left a legacy for farmers everywhere, and the students of Tuskegee Institute. Carver was a very successful botanist, chemist, scientist, and inventor, and that is why he will be forever remembered.
George Washington Carver Museum
Carver in his Lab at Tuskegee Institute
George Washington Carver Monument
Citations:
Editors, Biography .com. "George Washington Carver." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2015.
"George Washington Carver - Mini Bio." YouTube. N.p., 9 Jan. 2012. Web. 11 Dec. 2015.