Walt Whitman

Walt Whitman was born in 1819 in New York. He became one of the greatest American poets. Whitman wrote a famous book of poems called Leaves of Grass. He kept adding new poems to it his whole life. His poems are about America and its people.

His Poetry

Whitman wrote free verse poems. That means they do not rhyme or follow strict rules. He wrote about trees, oceans, cities, and workers. He loved America and all kinds of people in it. His poems are long and full of feeling.

His Life

Whitman worked as a teacher, newspaper writer, and printer. During the Civil War, he helped sick and hurt soldiers in hospitals. He cared for them and wrote them letters. Later he lived a quiet life in New Jersey. He died in 1892.

Fun Facts

• Whitman had a big white beard and loved to wear a floppy hat.
• He paid for his first book of poems to be printed himself.
• He wrote a sad poem about President Lincoln called O Captain! My Captain!

Did You Know?

A big bridge in New Jersey is named the Walt Whitman Bridge in honor of the poet.