A Lesson in History: George Washington Carver

George Washington Carver was born into slavery in the state of Missouri. At a young age, George Washington Carver was kidnapped by bandits with the attempts of selling George and his family in a different state. Eventually, Carver's family was found and once returned, they were granted freedom. Growing up, George was a fragile and sickly child. Because of his fragile body, he spent more time reading books and studying nature than laboring in the field. At a young age, neighbors and friends would bring their dying plants to George and it was said that George would nurse the flowers and plants back to life. While attending college, he developed his skills in painting and his passion for agriculture. After encouragement from his professor, he devoted his attention to the science of plant life. George Washington Carver would soon become famous around the world for his creativity and discoveries with various plants. Carver discovered over 300 uses for the legume plant, 118 for the sweet potato, and many more from various other plants. Discoveries such as motor oil, paint, peanut oil, vinegar, instant coffee, pancake mix, laundry soap, lotions, massage oils, candies, and many more. George Washington Carver knew so much about plants because he loved them. He said, I found that when I talk to the little flower or little peanut, it will give up its secrets. Anything will give up its secrets if you love it. Educator, author, and orator Booker T. Washington hired him to oversee the agriculture department at Tuskegee Institute. Indian activist and freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi would write Carver for diet and health advice during his hunger strikes. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt would use Carver's oil massage therapies for his polio. Inventors Henry Ford and Thomas Edison both offered him jobs while seeking his advice on their work. Because of his discoveries, he saved the southern economy by encouraging farmers to grow crops that would be better for their soil. Carver didn't believe in keeping his discoveries to himself. He shared the ideas and methods with all stating, I think they should be available to all peoples. I didn't make these discoveries. God has only worked through me to reveal to us children some of his wonderful providence. George Washington Carver loved his work and with the raw materials of nature, he would create resources that would make life better for all people. He had the courage to create.