10 fun and interesting John Burroughs facts

1. A Renowned American Nature Essayist

John Burroughs was a renowned American nature essayist, second only to Henry David Thoreau in terms of influence and importance. According to biographers at the American Memory project at the Library of Congress, Burroughs' essays were characterized by a deep appreciation for the natural world, and his works have been credited with helping to shape the genre of nature writing in the United States. His essays have been widely read and studied, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of nature writers.

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2. A Public Figure and Literary Legend

By the turn of the 20th century, John Burroughs had become a renowned figure in American culture. His works had been widely read and discussed, and he had become a celebrated public speaker, delivering lectures to packed audiences across the country. His influence was so great that he was even invited to the White House to meet with President Theodore Roosevelt. His legacy continues to this day, with his works still being studied and discussed in classrooms and libraries around the world.

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3. Grand Old Man of Nature

John Burroughs was a renowned figure in the American conservation movement, earning the title of "Grand Old Man of Nature" in his lifetime. He was a major proponent of the idea of nature, and his influence was felt during a time when the American public had embraced the concept of conservation. His writings and lectures on the subject of nature and conservation were highly influential, and his legacy continues to this day.

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4. A Naturalist Who Became Famous for His Essays

John Burroughs was an American naturalist and essayist who achieved extraordinary popularity and visibility in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His success was largely due to his prolific output of essay collections, beginning with Wake-Robin in 1871. This collection, which focused on the natural world, was the first of many, and was followed by such works as Birds and Poets (1877), Fresh Fields (1884), and Riverby (1894). His essays were widely read and praised for their vivid descriptions of the natural world and his thoughtful reflections on the human experience.

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5. A Pioneer of Alaska

In 1899, John Burroughs embarked on a remarkable journey to Alaska as part of E. H. Harriman's expedition. The expedition was a scientific exploration of the Alaskan wilderness, and Burroughs was one of the few invited to join. He documented the journey in his writings, providing a unique insight into the natural beauty of the region and the people he encountered along the way. His experience in Alaska was a defining moment in his life, and it inspired him to become a passionate advocate for conservation and the preservation of nature.

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6. John Burroughs Schools Inspire Future Generations

John Burroughs is an American naturalist and essayist who has had a lasting impact on the education system in the United States. His legacy is evident in the twelve schools that have been named in his honor, located in states such as California, New York, and Ohio. These schools are a testament to Burroughs' influence, and serve to inspire future generations of students to explore the natural world.

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7. John Burroughs Association Honors Legacy with Medal and Recognition

The John Burroughs Association is a prestigious organization that honors the legacy of the renowned naturalist, John Burroughs. Named after him, the John Burroughs Medal is awarded to authors of well-written and illustrated natural history publications. The Association also recognizes the work of illustrators, photographers, and other contributors to the field of natural history. The John Burroughs Association is a testament to the lasting impact of John Burroughs' work and his commitment to the study of nature.

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8. John Burroughs & Jay Gould: Financier & Classmate

John Burroughs had a classmate in school who would go on to become a renowned financier - Jay Gould. Gould was a prominent figure in the late 19th century, amassing a fortune through his investments in railroads and other industries. He was also known for his philanthropy, donating large sums of money to various charities and causes. It's no surprise that Gould and Burroughs were classmates, as both men were highly intelligent and ambitious.

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9. First Writer Published in the Atlantic Monthly

In the summer of 1860, John Burroughs got his first break as a writer when he was published in the Atlantic Monthly, a magazine that had only been around for a few years at the time. This was a major milestone for Burroughs, as it marked the beginning of his career as a writer and set him on the path to becoming one of the most influential authors of his time.

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10. John Burroughs' West Park Farm Becomes a Favorite Place to Write

John Burroughs, an American naturalist and essayist, purchased a 9-acre farm in West Park, New York in 1874. This property, now part of the Town of Esopus, was to become his beloved Riverby estate. Here, he built a home and cultivated a garden, surrounded by the beauty of the Hudson River Valley. He spent many years here, writing and enjoying the natural world, and it was here that he wrote some of his most famous works.