JAN. 5TH, 1943 was declared by US Congress as George Washington Carver Day on the day of his passing

January 5 is George Washington Carver Day in honor of the brilliant agricultural chemist who died on this day in 1943. Nicknamed "The Peanut Man" and the "Wizard of Tuskegee," Carver headed the agricultural department of the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama and was one of the most prominent scientist of his day. He was renowned for finding new uses for everyday items. Carver's research in improved farming techniques helped to revolutionize farming in America. He once wrote, "I wanted to know the name of every stone and flower and insect and bird and beast."

This is a rarely acknowledged National Holiday to recognize a great African American scientist. In 1935, Carver was specifically appointed to the Department of Agriculture by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to address the southern farming crisis. Among other enactments he advised farmers to use crop rotation. Carver's accomplishments found that since peanuts and sweet potato crops have nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their roots, these plants restore nitrogen levels in the soil, which helps other plants like cotton to grow better.

Dr. Carver was awarded the Roosevelt Medal in 1939 for saving Southern agriculture, which was later instrumental in feeding the United States during World War II). It was also the reason that, upon his death on Jan. 5, 1943, Dr. Carver’s hometown was made a historic site. President Harry S. Truman signed the Joint Resolution on December 28, 1945, saying, "I do hereby call upon officials of the Government to have the flag at half-staff on all government buildings on January 5, 1946, in commemoration of the achievements of George Washington Carver."

During the 79th Congress, Public Law 290 was passed to designate January 5th of each year as George Washington Carver Recognition Day.