- Life
- 1785–1851
- Best-known work
- The Birds of America
- Henderson connection
- Moved to Henderson in 1810
Artist, Naturalist & Historical Figure
John James Audubon was a naturalist and wildlife artist best known for The Birds of America, a collection of 435 life-size bird prints. His work had a lasting influence on wildlife illustration and the study of birds.
His years in Henderson, Kentucky, connect his life to the region and to John James Audubon State Park. A complete account of his history also includes his enslavement of Black people and his racist views.
Early Life
Audubon was born in 1785 in Saint-Domingue, the French colony now known as Haiti. His father was a French sea captain and plantation owner.
Raised in France, Audubon developed an interest in nature and drawing. He moved to the United States in 1803 and settled at Mill Grove, a property near Philadelphia.
At Mill Grove, he studied birds and developed observation and drawing techniques that would help shape his later career as a wildlife artist.
Life in Henderson, Kentucky
In 1810, Audubon moved to Henderson to operate a store. Although he worked as a businessman, he continued exploring the countryside, observing birds, and creating drawings.
His years in western Kentucky became an important chapter in his development as a naturalist and artist. This connection explains why his name remains closely associated with Henderson.
Today, John James Audubon State Park commemorates his connection to the region and offers opportunities to explore natural habitats.
Creating The Birds of America
After his business career faltered, Audubon pursued an ambitious project: illustrating the birds of North America. He traveled extensively to observe and collect birds, producing detailed images for publication.
His compositions often presented birds in active poses, surrounded by plants and other elements of their habitats. The images combined close observation with dramatic artistic arrangements.
Audubon found support for the project in Britain. The prints were produced first in Edinburgh and later in London, with the final plate issued in 1838.
The completed The Birds of America contained 435 plates. That number refers to illustrations, not individual birds or necessarily distinct species.
The Written Accounts
Audubon collaborated with Scottish ornithologist William MacGillivray on Ornithological Biography, the written accounts accompanying the bird illustrations. Together, the pictures and text combined wildlife art with observations about bird life.
Slavery & Racism
Audubon’s artistic accomplishments do not erase his participation in slavery. He and his wife, Lucy, held nine people in slavery during the 1810s and sold them when the family experienced financial difficulties. They acquired and sold additional enslaved people in the following decade.
Audubon also expressed racist views and supported slavery. These were not simply events he observed around him; they involved choices he made and a system in which he actively participated.
Understanding Audubon as a historical figure requires acknowledging this harm alongside the influence of his artwork.
Later Life & Legacy
Audubon spent his later years in New York City, where he died in 1851 at age 65. His illustrations continued to influence wildlife art and interest in birds.
Did He Found the National Audubon Society?
No. The National Audubon Society was established in 1905, more than 50 years after his death, and named in his honor. Its later conservation mission should not be confused with Audubon’s own activities or beliefs.
Remembering His Life Today
Audubon remains an influential figure in the history of wildlife illustration. A balanced understanding of his legacy recognizes both his contributions to art and the harm he caused through slavery and racism.
A Brief Timeline
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1785
Born in Saint-Domingue, the French colony now known as Haiti.
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1803
Moves to the United States and settles at Mill Grove, near Philadelphia.
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1810
Moves to Henderson, Kentucky, to operate a store while continuing his interest in birds and drawing.
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1810s–1820s
Audubon and his wife enslave people and participate in their purchase and sale.
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1838
The final plate of the original The Birds of America is issued.
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1851
Dies in New York City at age 65.
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1905
The National Audubon Society is established and named in his honor, decades after his death.
Sources & Further Reading
The following resources provide additional information about Audubon’s biography, artwork, and legacy.