Near Diamond in Newton County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Special Moments in the Woods
George Washington Carver National Monument
| — | National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior | — |
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., January 22, 2011
1. Special Moments in the Woods Marker
This spring was the closest drinking water for the Carver household in the 1860s. Accoring to George, he was too frail for field work. His guardian, Susan Carver, gave him many household chores including drawing water from this spring. As a typical young boy, George frequently stopped to play in the water, observe plants and animals, and enjoy time alone away from other chores. Memories of those private encounters with nature reinforced George's impression that he possessed special talents and a promising future.
Enjoy the view, but please do not drink this spring water. By today's health standards, it is not potable.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Environment • Exploration. In addition, it is included in the George Washington Carver series list.
Location. 36° 59.254′ N, 94° 21.297′ W. Marker is near Diamond, Missouri, in Newton County. It can be reached from Carver Road. Marker is at the end of a boardwalk along the nature trail at George Washington Carver
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Missouri. It is also in the American Ozarks, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Plant Doctor (within shouting distance of this marker); What an Orphan Chooses to Forget - and Remember (within shouting distance of this marker); Birthplace of George Washington Carver (within shouting distance of this marker); His First Prayer (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Home Folks (about 300 feet away); Why a National Monument? (about 400 feet away); Take a Walk in Carver's Woods (about 400 feet away); From Pebbles to Paintings (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., January 22, 2011
2. Special Moments in the Woods Marker
Another marker is no longer nearby. Williams' Spring (was about 300 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Also see . . .
1. George Washington Carver National Monument. National Park Service website entry (Submitted on April 27, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
2. George Washington Carver. Famous Missourians website entry (Submitted on April 27, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., January 22, 2011
3. Spring Just Beyond Special Moments Marker
Note "No Drinking" sign to right of tree trunk
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., January 22, 2011
4. Turkey Tracks Along the Nature Trail
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., January 22, 2011
5. Boy Carver Statue Along Nature Trail
Contemplating nature and his purpose in life. Created by Robert Amendola in 1960.
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 19, 2026
6. Special Moments in the Woods Marker
Marker is on the Carver Trail, on a wooden platform
Credits. This page was last revised on September 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 753 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 27, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 6. submitted on September 25, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
