The Legend of Johnny Appleseed

John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, was an American legend and folk hero. He was born in Leominster, Massachusetts, on September 26, 1774 and died in Fort Wayne, Indiana on March 18, 1845. He dedicated his life to planting apple trees throughout the Midwest, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.  He often traveled barefoot or wrapped rags around his feet to protect them, wearing a coffee sack for a shirt, and an iconic pasteboard hat with a huge brim to keep the sun out of his eyes. He was a staunch believer in animal rights, a pacifist, and denounced cruelty to all living things. John was a practicing vegetarian.

As Americans moved west, so did Johnny Appleseed. Settlers needed fruit trees to provide sustenance throughout the long winters, especially in areas where there were no general stores. Folklore and legend regarding this iconic man and his apple tree plantings at the edge of the frontier began spreading across the nation, and only grew after his passing. Today, the story of Johnny Appleseed is still taught in elementary school curriculums and many see him as a legendary American figure.

While most apple varieties originated in Europe, Johnny Appleseed collected seeds annually from cider mills in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and New York.  Apple cider soon became recognized not only as a nourishing drink, but as an essential one because the acid in apples provided a long shelf life.

Chapman’s significance as a pioneer horticulturist is still recognized today.  Nurserymen invoke the blessings of the Johnny Appleseed moon on their spring plantings and sing his praise during the fall harvest. He is considered the patron saint of the American orchards.