John Bartram

John Bartram
Drawing by Howard Pyle
BornJune 3, 1699
DiedSeptember 22, 1777(1777-09-22) (aged 78)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Resting placeDarby Friends Cemetery, Darby, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Spouses
Mary Maris
(m. 1723; died 1727)
    Ann Mendenhall
    (m. 1729)
    Parents
    RelativesJohn Bartram (grandfather)
    Scientific career
    FieldsBotany
    Author abbrev. (botany)Bartram
    Signature

    John Bartram (June 3, 1699 – September 22, 1777) was an American botanist, horticulturist, and explorer, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for most of his career. Swedish botanist and taxonomist Carl Linnaeus said he was the "greatest natural botanist in the world." Bartram corresponded with and shared North American plants and seeds with a variety of scientists in England and Europe.

    He started what is known as Bartram's Garden in 1728 at his farm in Kingsessing (now part of Philadelphia). It was considered the first botanic garden in the United States. His sons and descendants operated it until 1850. Still operating in a partnership between the city of Philadelphia and a non-profit foundation, it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960.