Benjamin Smith Barton (1766-1815)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Physician, professor of natural history and botany at the University of Pennsylvania. Author of first American botany textbook. In 1803, he taught natural history to Meriwether Lewis in preparation for Lewis & Clark Expedition, 1803-1806. He lived here.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Benjamin Smith Barton was among early America's foremost men of science, a physician and University of Pennsylvania professor who wrote the first botany textbook published in the United States. In 1803, at the request of the expedition's planners, he tutored Meriwether Lewis in natural history to prepare him to observe and record the plants, animals, and peoples of the West. From this Philadelphia home he stood at the crossroads of American medicine, natural science, and continental exploration.
Why it matters
Barton helped equip the Lewis and Clark Expedition with scientific method, linking Philadelphia's learned world to the young nation's exploration of the West.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- National Constitution Centernearby · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphianearby · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center0.2 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Museum of Illusions Philadelphia0.3 mi away · 401 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History0.3 mi away · 101 South Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center0.3 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
Attractions
- U.S. Mint at Philadelphia Tour0.1 mi away
- Benjamin Franklin Grave0.2 mi away
- President's House0.2 mi away
- Chinatown Friendship Gate0.3 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
- Liberty Bell0.3 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Second Bank of the United States0.4 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- Independence Mall Cafe0.2 mi away · 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- La Colombe Coffee Roasters0.2 mi away
- Dunkin'0.2 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Burger King0.3 mi away
- Time & Peace0.3 mi away · 36 South 7th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- LaScala's0.3 mi away · 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District0.2 mi away · 400 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Clarion Suites Philadelphia0.3 mi away · 1010 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Sleep Inn Center City0.4 mi away · 1020 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel0.4 mi away · 401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City0.4 mi away · 1100 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- AKA Washington Square0.4 mi away · 834 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Benjamin Smith Barton
- · Meriwether Lewis
Related events
- · Lewis and Clark Expedition
Themes & tags
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Robert Patterson (1743-1824)
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