Bradstreet, Anne

Ann Bradstreet (c.1612-Sept.16,1672) was America's first published poet. The daughter of Thomas Dudley, born in Northampton England, she was educated early. At age sixteen, she married Simon Bradstreet, and in 1630, her entire family decided to begin a new life in America. They sailed on the Arbella. They didn't stay in Salem long, but went on to found Boston. Both Anne's father and husband were instrumental in founding Harvard. In 1997, the Harvard communitee dedicated a gate in memory of her as America's first published poet. Bradstreet Gate is located next to Canaday Hall. Despite poor health, she had eight children and achieved comfortable social standing.