Johnny Appleseed Day

Johnny Appleseed Day is dedicated to a man who, despite his almost mythical status, was very much real. His true name was John Chapman, and he spent his life planting apple trees and cultivating new apple varieties. Chapman introduced apple orchards to the Midwest, as well as to Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.

History

Johnny Appleseed became famous not just as a planter and a character of American folklore, but also as a conservationist and missionary. Apples have an ancient history, with the first mentions dating back to 328 BC, when Alexander the Great found apple trees in Kazakhstan. Apple trees were first brought to the New World in the early 17th century, and Boston saw its first orchard in 1625.

Interesting Facts

• John Chapman was born on September 26, 1774, in Massachusetts.
• He planted his first apple orchard in Pennsylvania in 1792.
• After his passing, Chapman left behind a 1200-acre estate and a legendary reputation for his devotion to nature.

How to Take Part

As John Chapman was a man of faith, you can honor him by visiting a local church or reading the Bible. Show kindness, care for nature, and avoid causing harm—Chapman would never light a fire if it might hurt living things. He also followed vegetarian principles, so consider trying a plant-based meal in his honor. Visit his birthplace in Leominster, Massachusetts, and stop by the John Chapman Visitor Center.

When is Johnny Appleseed Day in 2025?

Johnny Appleseed Day is observed on September 26 each year.

Observations