Katherine Lee Bates

Katherine Lee Bates (1859–1929) was an American poet, essayist, and educator, best known for writing the lyrics to “America the Beautiful.” Born in Falmouth, Massachusetts, she studied at Wellesley College and later joined its faculty, becoming a professor of English literature. Bates published poetry and prose, including works for young readers, and was active in literary and civic life. She wrote the first version of “America the Beautiful” in 1893, inspired in part by a trip to Colorado and a visit to Pikes Peak; the poem was later revised and set to music. Bates spent most of her career at Wellesley.