Daniel Carter Beard Boyhood Home
Covington, Kenton County, Kentucky
Marker Inscription
Daniel Carter Beard, 1850-1941. Boyhood home of "Uncle Dan," youth leader, outdoorsman, artist and author. Born in Cincinnati and later came to Covington to live. Inaugurated Boy Scout movement in America, 1905, and was one of the first National Commissioners of the Boy Scouts of America. He was awarded the first medal for outstanding citizenship of state of Kentucky. For more information, see ExploreKYHistory: Boyhood Home of Daniel Carter Beard
Erected by Kentucky Historical Society
The Story
Daniel Carter Beard—known affectionately as "Uncle Dan"—was an illustrator, author, and tireless champion of the outdoors who spent his boyhood in Covington, Kentucky, just across the river from his native Cincinnati. In 1905 he founded the Sons of Daniel Boone, an early woodcraft youth organization, and when the Boy Scouts of America formed a few years later he became one of its first National Commissioners, shaping its outdoor ethic for decades. His illustrations and books on woodcraft made him a household name, and Kentucky honored him with its first medal for outstanding citizenship.
Why it matters
Beard helped build the scouting movement that would introduce generations of American youth to the outdoors, citizenship, and self-reliance, leaving a lasting imprint on how the nation raised its children.
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Related people
- · Daniel Carter Beard
Related events
- · Founding of the Boy Scouts of America
Themes & tags
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