George Hunter

1755–1823 (age 68)

Naturalist

Biography

George Hunter devoted his life to the study of the Gulf Coast's natural bounty, cataloging plants, animals, and landscapes around New Orleans while the young United States still knew little of Louisiana's rich environment.

His patient stewardship of natural history and deliberate sharing of knowledge with fellow scholars and civic leaders helped the region appreciate and protect its diverse ecosystems for generations to come, anchoring his name near the thriving port city of New Orleans.