Kingsessing in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
William Bartram (1739 - 1823)
William Bartram (1739 - 1823), the fifth of nine children born to John and Ann Bartram, William showed an early interest in the natural sciences and talent for botanical illustration. As his father's "little botanist", Billy accompanied john Bartram on plant collecting trips.
After unsuccessful attempts at business and farming as a young man, in 1773 William obtained the sponsorship of Dr. John Fothergill of London of an expedition through the deep South. During his four-year journey, he encountered alligators, Indians, and international intrigue as the colonies prepared for war. In 1791, William's vivid and detailed account of his trip was published as Travels, now regarded as a classic of early American literature. Travels quickly went into several foreign editions and is still in print today.
William Bertram spent the remainder of his life quietly at the garden with his brother John's family, tending the plant collection, making botanical illustrations, and encouraging emerging young naturalists like Alexander Wilson, Thomas Say, and Thomas Nuttall. He was elected to the American Philosophical Society and the Academy of Natural Sciences.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Colonial Era
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Location. 39° 55.962′ N, 75° 12.729′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Kingsessing. Marker can be reached from Bartram Drive south of Harley Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5400 Lindbergh Blvd, Philadelphia PA 19143, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dialogue with Nature: The Bartram Contribution (here, next to this marker); Bartram's Garden (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Dialogue with Nature: The Bartram Contribution (here, next to this marker); John Bartram (1699 - 1777) (here, next to this marker); Bartram's Boxes (here, next to this marker); Welcome to Philadelphia's River Garden (a few steps from this marker); Yellowwood (within shouting distance of this marker); Ginkgo (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 16, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 60 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 16, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
