George Washington Carver went down in American history as one of the first prominent Black scientists and an important figure in the history of agriculture. However, Carver faced many barriers to getting an education as a Black man in the late 1800s.
Carver was born enslaved in Missouri about a year before slavery was abolished. As a boy and young adult, Carver traveled many miles to find schools that allowed Black students.
Carver eventually came to Iowa because colleges in Missouri and Kansas would not accept him. Carver was the first Black student ever to enroll at Iowa State University, and he later became the first Black teacher at ISU.
Hometown: Diamond, Mo.; attended college in Indianola and Ames
Fun fact: Carver’s research led to the creation of more than 300 peanut products and more than 100 sweet potato products.
Comments: adam.sullivan@thegazette.com
