George Washington Carver: Iowa Time Machine July 14, 1864

Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On (or around) July 14, 1864, George Washington Carver was born. Educated at Simpson College and Iowa State University in Iowa, Carver stands as one of the most significant American scientists of the 20th century.

Born to enslaved parents, Carver’s early life proved tragic. His father died around the time of his birth, and he and his mother were kidnapped and taken to Arkansas before his first birthday. George eventually found his way back to his mother’s enslavers, but never saw his mother again. However, he continued to educate himself during the post-Emancipation era.

After gaining admission to Highland College in Kansas, he was rejected upon arrival because of his skin color. Carver walked to Iowa after hearing he might gain admission to Simpson College. In 1891, Carver headed up the road to Ames, where he enrolled as the only African-American student at Iowa State. During a period of scientific inquiry and personal growth, Washington Carver thrived in Ames, becoming the first African-American to earn a Master’s degree from Iowa State before gaining distinction as the university’s first Black faculty member. He also served as the first trainer of the Iowa State football team.

A major innovator in soil science, especially regarding soil degradation, Carver’s scientific achievements led to national renown. After his stint at Iowa State, Carver joined the faculty of Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, where he invented new uses for various crops, including making soybeans into plastic, sweet potatoes into cereal, and peanuts into more than 300 by-products, such as milk, coffee, and shaving cream. #Iowa #OTD #History #Innovation #Science