September 26

Johnny Appleseed Day

Celebrate Johnny Appleseed Day with a delicious apple-inspired treat! From pies to smoothies, there's something for everyone.

Yearly Date
September 26
Type
Day
Category
Cultural

Introduction

Celebrate Johnny Appleseed Day on September 26 with stories, activities, and of course apples! Johnny Appleseed was a legend in the early 19th century who traveled across much of what is now the United States planting apple trees. He was known for his kindness to animals and people alike, as well as his love of nature. Today we celebrate this amazing man by sharing tales about him and enjoying all the delicious things that can be made from apples!

Johnny Appleseed Day Timeline

1774
Johnny Appleseed's Birth
Johnny Appleseed, actually named John Chapman, was born on September 26, 1774 in Leominster, Massachusetts.
1800s
Apple Growing Beginnings
John Chapman started his apple tree nursery business, providing settlers with a way to claim land as homesteads under the laws of the time.
1845
Johnny Appleseed's Death
Jack Chapman passed away at the age of 70 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, having planted apple trees across multiple states.
1904
First Biography Published
"Johnny Appleseed: A Pioneer Hero" was published by William A. Jones, the first biography that widely spread Johnny's tale across America.
1966
Johnny Appleseed Day Established
The holiday, Johnny Appleseed Day, was established to celebrate his contributions to American history and agriculture.

How to Celebrate Johnny Appleseed Day

1

Plant an apple tree

Find a sunny spot in your yard, buy an apple tree and get planting! You’ll be paying homage to Johnny Appleseed while also adding a bit of greenery to your space.

2

Eat apple dishes

Make the most of the season and enjoy some classic apple dishes. Apple pie, applesauce, caramel apples, or even just some fresh slices with peanut butter. Yum!

3

Read about Johnny Appleseed

Visit your local library and check out a book or two about this famous figure in American history. Learn more about his life and adventures.

4

Go on an apple picking adventure

Hit up a local orchard or farm and pick your own apples! Enjoy the fresh air, bring home your bounty, and make something delicious with it.

5

Host an apple cider tasting

Invite friends over for an evening of cider tasting! Have everyone bring their favorite bottle or can of cider for a fun and tasty evening.

Why We Love Johnny Appleseed Day

A

Johnny Appleseed Day celebrates the life of a great American folk hero

John Chapman, or "Johnny Appleseed" was an American folk hero who planted apple trees throughout the Midwest and helped to settle much of the land that became the United States. He is remembered today for his kindness and generosity in helping to establish many thriving communities where they might not have otherwise been possible.

B

It's a reminder to be kind and generous

Celebrating Johnny Appleseed Day reminds us to be kind and generous to those around us. Taking time out of our busy schedules to do something small for someone else can go a long way towards making the world a better place, just as Johnny Appleseed did when he went on his travels planting apple trees across the Midwest.

C

Apples are delicious

Who doesn't love a crisp, juicy apple every once in awhile? Not only are apples incredibly tasty, but they're also filled with fiber, vitamins and minerals that help keep us healthy! There are so many different types of apples out there, from tart Granny Smiths to sweet Honeycrasps - something for everyone to enjoy!

Johnny Appleseed Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Sep 26
Tuesday
2024
Sep 26
Thursday
2025
Sep 26
Friday
2026
Sep 26
Saturday
2027
Sep 26
Sunday