| Henry Shaw (botanist) |
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Information AboutHenry Shaw (botanist) |
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Shaw was born in England and moved to St. Louis at the age of 18. He established a successful hardware business. He invested his earnings in real estate and made a fortune as the city rapidly expanded. By the age of 40 he was one of the largest landholders in the city and was able to retire. This gave him the freedom to travel and to pursue his great interest in botany. Following his retirement Shaw travelled extensively, and returned to St. Louis in 1851. He engaged architect George I. Barnett (who later also designed Shaw's mausoleum) to design and build Tower Grove House , which became his estate. Working with leading botanists, Shaw planned, funded and built what would become the Missouri Botanical Garden on the land around his home. As the garden became more extensive, Shaw decided to open it to the general public in 1859 . Shaw donated additional land adjoining the garden to the city of St. Louis for Tower Grove Park and also helped with its construction, including the pavilions and various works or art. He gave the city a school and land for a hospital. He endowed Washington University’s School of Botany, and helped found the Missouri Historical Society . Shaw died in 1889 and is buried in a mausoleum surrounded by a grove of trees on the grounds of the gardens he founded. He is widely remembered for his generosity and philanthropy. Over 100 years after his death, many who visit the Missouri Botanical Gardens still refer to it affectionately as "Shaw's Garden." REFERENCES |
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