george washington carver

George Washington Carver (circa 1864 – January 5, 1943) was an American agricultural scientist, inventor, and educator who significantly impacted agriculture in the southern United States. Born into slavery, he rose to prominence by promoting alternative crops to cotton, such as peanuts, sweet potatoes, and soybeans, which helped prevent soil depletion and supported struggling farmers. Carver developed hundreds of products from these crops, including various industrial and household items, and worked extensively at the Tuskegee Institute to teach and improve agricultural practices for poor Black farmers and others in the South. His work extended beyond agriculture to environmentalism and education, earning him widespread recognition and honors, including being dubbed the "Black Leonardo" by Time magazine. Despite popular belief, Carver did not invent peanut butter but greatly expanded the use of peanuts in many products. He died in 1943, and his legacy is commemorated by the George Washington Carver National Monument.