Bartram's Story

William Bartram was born in 1739 to Quakers John and Ann Bartram of Philadelphia, the fifth of nine children. His father, John Bartram (1699-1777), so it is told, was plowing his fields one day when his attention was captured by the remarkable beauty of a common daisy. The elder Bartram was inspired to study all plants, eventually gaining the appointment of Royal Botanist by King George III in 1763. John’s own dedication greatly encouraged William’s growing interest in the natural world.

The Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy, formerly known as the North Carolina Bartram Trail Society was organized on November 1, 1977, by eleven North Carolina residents. It was the culmination of several years of dreaming, research, and planning. Among the leaders of this group were the late Walter G. McKelvey, Mr. Charles Moore, and Mr. Rowell Bosse, all of Brevard. Dr. J. Dan Pittillo, of Cullowhee, professor emeritus of botany from Western Carolina University, was also instrumental in the formative years of the Conservancy and continues to serve on the Board of Directors today.