George Bancroft

Date of Birth: October 3, 1800

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: January 17, 1891

Biography

George Bancroft was an American historian, statesman, and writer, born on October 3, 1800, in Worcester, Massachusetts. He is best known for his comprehensive work, “History of the United States, from the Discovery of the American Continent,” which profoundly influenced the study of American history. Bancroft graduated from Harvard College in 1817 and later studied in Germany, where he was heavily influenced by the scholarly methods of German historians. Upon returning to the United States, he pursued a career in education and politics, serving as Secretary of the Navy and establishing the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. Bancroft also held diplomatic positions as the U.S. Minister to the United Kingdom and Germany. He passed away on January 17, 1891, in Washington, D.C.

5 Interesting Facts about George Bancroft

1. George Bancroft founded the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1845.

2. He served as the U.S. Secretary of the Navy under President James K. Polk.

3. Bancroft’s “History of the United States, from the Discovery of the American Continent” spanned 10 volumes and took over 30 years to complete.

4. He was a strong advocate for the Democratic Party and supported the annexation of Texas.

5. Bancroft was awarded honorary degrees from several institutions, including Oxford and Göttingen.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Bancroft

1. “The prejudices of ignorance are more easily removed than the prejudices of interest; the first are all blindly adopted, the second willfully preferred.”

2. “The public is wiser than the wisest critic.”

3. “The fears of one class of men are not the measure of the rights of another.”

4. “In nine times out of ten, the slanderous tongue belongs to a disappointed person.”

5. “History is full of delightful fiction.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While specific details of George Bancroft’s net worth are not well-documented, as a prominent historian and statesman of his era, he was considered financially comfortable, particularly through his diplomatic and political appointments.

Children

George Bancroft had three children with his first wife, Sarah Dwight, who passed away in 1837. Their children were: 1. Louisa Dwight Bancroft 2. George Bancroft Jr. 3. Elizabeth Davis Bancroft