The Mystery of Carver's Birth Date
George Washington Carver was born around 1864 near Diamond Grove, Missouri (now simply Diamond, Missouri). His exact birth date is unknown because he was born into slavery, and enslaved people's birth dates were rarely recorded.
Historians estimate his birth year based on historical records, but the specific month and day have never been determined. Some sources suggest January 1864, while others place his birth sometime between 1861 and 1865.
Why the Exact Date is Unknown
Several factors explain why Carver's birth date remains a mystery:
- Slavery practices: Enslaved people were often not given birth certificates or recorded in official records
- Property records: Enslaved people were typically recorded as property, listing only approximate ages
- Civil War chaos: Born during the Civil War, many records from this period were lost or never created
- Early kidnapping: Carver and his mother were kidnapped by Confederate raiders when he was an infant, further complicating his early records
Key Facts About Carver's Birth
- Born on the farm of Moses and Susan Carver in Newton County, Missouri
- His mother was named Mary, an enslaved woman owned by the Carvers
- His father was likely an enslaved man from a neighboring farm who died before George's birth
- He was kidnapped along with his mother by Confederate raiders when he was an infant
- Moses Carver traded a $300 racehorse to recover the infant George
- His mother was never found and is presumed to have died
Raised by the Carvers
After being recovered from the kidnappers, George and his brother James were raised by Moses and Susan Carver. Though the Civil War ended slavery, the Carvers raised the boys as their own children, giving George the education and encouragement that would shape his future.
Young George showed an early fascination with plants and became known locally as "the plant doctor" for his ability to nurse sick plants back to health.
The Birthplace Today
The site of Carver's birth is now the George Washington Carver National Monument, established on July 14, 1943. It was the first national monument dedicated to an African American and the first to honor someone other than a president.
Visitors can explore the 240-acre park, which includes the site of the Moses Carver farm, a statue of Carver as a boy, and educational exhibits about his remarkable life.