Francis Parkman

Date of Birth: September 16, 1823

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: November 8, 1893

Biography

Francis Parkman was an American historian born on September 16, 1823, in Boston, Massachusetts. He is best known for his comprehensive works on the French and Indian War and the American West. Parkman attended Harvard University, where he developed a keen interest in history and exploration. His most famous works include “The Oregon Trail: Sketches of Prairie and Rocky-Mountain Life” and the multi-volume series “France and England in North America.” Parkman’s writing is characterized by its vivid descriptions, extensive research, and engaging narrative style. Despite suffering from various health issues throughout his life, including partial blindness and debilitating nervous disorders, he remained a prolific writer and a passionate advocate for historical accuracy. His contributions to American historiography have earned him a lasting place among the most significant historians of the 19th century.

5 Interesting Facts about Francis Parkman

1. Parkman embarked on a two-year expedition along the Oregon Trail, which served as the basis for his book “The Oregon Trail: Sketches of Prairie and Rocky-Mountain Life.”

2. He was elected a member of the American Antiquarian Society in 1851.

3. Parkman experienced a lifelong struggle with health issues, including severe eye problems that often forced him to dictate his works.

4. Despite his health challenges, Parkman cultivated a garden that became famous and earned him recognition as an accomplished horticulturist.

5. He was awarded the title of Professor of Horticulture at Harvard University, where he also studied law before turning to history full-time.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Francis Parkman

1. “A clear conscience is the surest bracer.”

2. “Faithfulness to the truth of history involves far more than a research, however patient and scrupulous, into special facts.”

3. “The historian must have some conception of how men who are totally different from himself would act and feel.”

4. “Not even wrong can be done without the tools.”

5. “Great events are the hour-hands of time, while small events mark the minutes and seconds.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Francis Parkman’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but his financial status was comfortable, largely due to his family’s wealth and his successful publications.

Children

Francis Parkman had three children with his wife, Catherine Scollay Bigelow. Their names were Grace Parkman, Francis Parkman Jr., and Elizabeth Parkman.