How Did George Washington Carver Die?

Q: How did George Washington Carver die?

George Washington Carver died on January 5, 1943, at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama at approximately 78-79 years of age. He died from complications following a fall down the stairs at his residence on campus. In his final years, Carver had been in declining health but continued to work in his laboratory and mentor students. He is buried on the Tuskegee University campus, next to Booker T. Washington. Just days after his death, the U.S. Congress designated his birthplace as a national monument - the first ever dedicated to an African American.

Carver's Death

George Washington Carver died on January 5, 1943, at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He was approximately 78-79 years old (his exact birth date was unknown). He died from complications following a fall down the stairs at his residence on campus.

In his final years, Carver had been in declining health, suffering from anemia and other ailments. Despite his frail condition, he continued to work in his laboratory and mentor students until near the end of his life.

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Date of Death

January 5, 1943

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Place of Death

Tuskegee, Alabama

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Age

~78-79 Years

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Cause

Fall Complications

His Final Years

Despite his advanced age and declining health, Carver remained active in his final years. He continued to receive visitors from around the world, mentor students, and work on new research projects.

Carver's Final Years

1940 Donated his life savings of $33,000 to establish the George Washington Carver Foundation
1941 Received an honorary doctorate from the University of Rochester
1942 Published his final bulletin, "Nature's Garden for Victory and Peace"
1942 Henry Ford installed an elevator in Carver's building due to his difficulty climbing stairs
Jan 5, 1943 Died at Tuskegee after complications from a fall

His Legacy Lives On

Just days after Carver's death, the U.S. Congress designated his birthplace as a national monument - the first ever dedicated to an African American. President Franklin D. Roosevelt said of Carver:

"The world of science has lost one of its most eminent figures and the race from which he sprang has lost one of its greatest men."

His Gravestone Epitaph

"He could have added fortune to fame, but caring for neither, he found happiness and honor in being helpful to the world."

George Washington Carver is buried on the Tuskegee University campus, next to Booker T. Washington.

National Mourning

Carver's death was mourned across the nation. He had become one of the most recognized and beloved scientists in America. Tributes poured in from scientists, educators, political leaders, and ordinary citizens who had been inspired by his life story.

His funeral was held on the Tuskegee campus, where he had spent 47 years of his life. He was laid to rest near the grave of Booker T. Washington, the man who had recruited him to Tuskegee in 1896.