Born on This Day: January 21

American inventor whose early steamboat experiments helped demonstrate the practical possibilities of steam-powered navigation.

American poet and religious leader whose writing and institution-building shaped nineteenth-century Latter-day Saint culture.

American artist and writer whose journals, letters, and artwork contributed to Transcendentalist-era culture and women’s creative history.

American explorer and political figure whose surveys and maps influenced migration and understanding of the American West.

Barbadian statesman who led his country to independence and helped advance Caribbean regional cooperation.

American technology entrepreneur and philanthropist who co-founded Microsoft and funded major work in science, culture, conservation, and public health.