George Washington Carver National Monument

George Washington Carver National Monument was established as a public memorial to George Washington Carver in recognition of his outstanding achievements as a scientist, educator and humanitarian. Although Dr. Carver spent only 10 to 12 years on the Diamond Grove farm, the area and community greatly influenced the course of his life. It was here that Carver was born into slavery and orphaned as an infant. Yet, he grew up with a love and appreciation of nature that would sustain him throughout his life.

George Washington Carver National Monument was established in 1943 and dedicated on July 14, 1953. The park consists of 210 of the original 240 acre Moses Carver farm. Outside is the 3/4 mile Carver Trail (walking trail) which winds its way through the woodlands and tall grass prairie. Along this trail you can see the Carver Birthplace Site, Carver Boyhood Statue, Carver Spring, Williams pond and spring, Moses Carver 1881 house and the Carver family cemetery. The trail is only partially handicapped accessible.

General Information
Operating Hours: - The park is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Mild to cold weather in the winter. Summer are generally hot and humid.

Getting to the Park: - From Neosho, Carthage, or exit 18 on Interstate 44, take U.S.Alternate 71 to the town of Diamond. Go west two miles on County Road V, then south one-half mile on Carver Road.

Visitor Center/Exhibits/Programs: - The visitor center includes a museum, films on Carver's life, and the Carver Birthplace District Association. Programs vary throughout the year and include themes dealing with George Washington Carver's life and interests. For up-to-date information call (417) 325-4151. A bookstore, managed by the Carver Birthplace District Association, is located within the visitor center.

Trails, Roads: - Outside is the 3/4 mile Carver Trail (walking trail) which winds its way through the woodlands and tall grass prairie. Along this trail you can see the Carver Birthplace Site, Carver Boyhood Statue, Carver Spring, Williams pond and spring, Moses Carver 1881 house and the Carver family cemetery. The trail is only partially handicapped accessible.

Lodging and camping facilities: - None in the park. A variety of hotels, motels, and RV camping sites are available in the surrounding area.

Accessibility: - Picnic area, comfort station, wheelchair accessible to visitor center and a wheelchair is available on request.

Reservations/Permits: - Reservations for school groups and other educational groups should be made in advance prior to the visit. At least one month's notice and application for Special Use Permits is requested. For additional information concerning reservations, special use, filming permits, etc. call (417) 325-4151.

Special Events/Programs: - Ranger programs are presented at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily during peak months. There are special programs offered by staff and/or volunteers throughout the year. George Washington Carver NM African-American Traveling Trunk, Film Loan Library, Elementary School Curriculum (writing in progress). Special events include: African-American Month-February; Women's History Month-March; March for Parks-April; Airing of the Quilts-June; Carver Day-July; National Parks Month-August; Prairie Day & GEM City Days-September; Native-American Month-November; Miracle March-November; Holiday Open House-December.

Towns and Attractions Nearby
Precious Moments, Carthage; Civil War Museum, Carthage; Powers Museum, Carthage; Spiva Art Gallery, Joplin; Mines and Minerals Museum, Joplin; Dorothea B. Hoover Historical Museum, Joplin; Newton County Historical Society and Museum, Neosho; Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, Republic; Fort Scott National Historical Site, Fort Scott, Kansas; Pea Ridge National Military Park, Pea Ridge, Arkansas.

5646 Carver Road
Diamond, Missouri 64840
(417) 325-4151