Johnny Appleseed

Jonathan Chapman, came to be known as "Johnny Appleseed." Chapman earned his nickname because he planted nurseries and individual apple trees across 100,00 square miles of midwestern wilderness and prairie--resulting in settlers' planting their own orchards.

The apples that Johnny planted were not considered to be edible but were commonly known as “spitters,” suggesting what one would do after taking the first bite. His small and tart apples were used to made hard cider and applejack. In those days, cider was more popular than beer, whisky, or any other alcoholic drink, owing to the fact that it was cheaper than any other drink.

To celebrate the bicentennial of Illinois statehood the Illinois State Historical Society offered commemorative "Johnny Appleseed" trees. Fresh scionwood from an original Johnny Appleseed tree were used to grow 102 trees for planting in Illinois 102 counties. In celebration of NIBCA's centennial, we were able to receive one of these trees and donated it to the Mack Town Living History Education Center.