William Bartram, the Pioneer

he dictionary defines a pioneer as one who ventures into unknown territory; an innovator; a trail blazer. In a land of pioneers, William Bartram exemplifies the pioneering spirit. His four years of wilderness exploration, his descriptions of previously unknown plants, birds, fish and shells, his insightful observations of Indian customs, his personal stand on human rights, his theories of bird migration and animal habits, his early drawings of natural history subjects and his unprecedented romantic literary style, firmly established Bartram as one of America’s most versatile pioneers.

The physical, intellectual and artistic trails he blazed are still alive with Bartram’s memory. In pursuing them, we can re-experience the common heritage of the American pioneer. In commemorating them, we can help preserve a heritage of which Americans can all be proud.