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George Washington Carver National Monument: A Tribute to Innovation and Perseverance

Explore the birthplace of George Washington Carver and discover the remarkable life of this pioneering scientist, educator, and humanitarian.

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Discover the birthplace and childhood home of George Washington Carver, the pioneering African American scientist, educator, and humanitarian. This national monument in Diamond, Missouri, preserves his legacy through interactive exhibits, historic structures, and natural landscapes, offering a glimpse into the early life that shaped his remarkable achievements.

A brief summary to George Washington Carver National Monument

Local tips

  • Start your visit at the visitor center to watch the 26-minute film about George Washington Carver's life and explore the museum's interactive exhibits.
  • Hike the ¾-mile Carver Trail to see the birth site, the 1881 Moses Carver house, and a tallgrass prairie restoration area.
  • Consider visiting during the spring or summer months to enjoy the mild weather and open hiking trails.
  • Guided tours of the Carver Trail are offered daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and begin at the visitor center.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    George Washington Carver National Monument is located 2 miles west of Diamond, Missouri, along Highway V. From Interstate 44, take Exit 18A and head south on Highway 59 to Diamond. Turn west onto Highway V and drive two miles to Carver Road. Then, travel south ¾ mile on Carver Road to the park entrance. From Neosho, take I-49 (US 71) north to Highway V. Turn east onto Highway V and travel five miles to Carver Road. Travel south ¾ mile to the park entrance. There is plenty of free parking available for cars and RVs in the park's parking lot near the Visitor Center. No overnight parking is allowed.

  • Walking

    Once you're in Diamond, Missouri, the monument is a 2-mile walk west on Highway V and then ¾ mile south on Carver Road. From the intersection of Highway 59 and Highway V in Diamond, head west on Highway V. After two miles, turn south onto Carver Road and walk for ¾ mile to reach the park entrance. Please note that there are no sidewalks along Highway V or Carver Road, so pedestrians should exercise caution.

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Discover more about George Washington Carver National Monument

George Washington Carver National Monument, located in Diamond, Missouri, is a 240-acre park dedicated to the life and legacy of George Washington Carver. Established in 1943, it stands as the first national monument honoring an African American and a non-president, marking a significant moment in American history. The monument preserves the site where Carver was born into slavery and spent his early years, providing a tangible connection to his humble beginnings. The park features a visitor center with a museum, interactive exhibits, and a film that explores Carver's life, scientific contributions, and his impact on agriculture and racial reconciliation. Visitors can walk the ¾-mile Carver Trail, a self-guiding loop that winds through woodlands, across streams, and along a tallgrass prairie restoration area, offering a glimpse into the natural environment that inspired Carver's work. The trail includes the 1881 Moses Carver house, where he was raised, and the Carver family cemetery. George Washington Carver's story is one of perseverance and innovation. Born into slavery during the Civil War, he went on to become a renowned agricultural scientist, educator, and humanitarian. He developed over 300 products from peanuts and hundreds more from crops like sweet potatoes and soybeans, revolutionizing Southern agriculture. His emphasis on crop rotation and alternative crops helped revitalize the Southern economy and promoted self-sufficiency among African American farmers. The monument serves as a tribute to his enduring legacy, highlighting the importance of education, scientific knowledge, and racial harmony.

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