The Naturalist's Corner: Puc Puggy’s digs
One of Western North Carolina’s most celebrated visitors acquired his love of — and curiosity about — nature at his father’s side along the Schuylkill River just outside of Philadelphia in the late 1700s. William Bartram was born in 1739 (along with twin sister Elizabeth,) one of nine children to naturalist John Bartram and his wife Ann.
Bartram’s legacy: Scholars gather to discuss significance of 18th century botanist, writer, illustrator and philosopher
By Michael Beadle
William Bartram only came through Western North Carolina for a handful of days in the spring of 1775. The record of his travels through Cherokee country (including present-day Highlands, Franklin and the Nantahala Gorge) wouldn’t be published until more than a decade later. By that time, many of his plant discoveries were credited to others.
