John Carter Brown was an American businessman and philanthropist, born in 1797 in Providence, Rhode Island. He is best known for founding the John Carter Brown Library, which houses an extensive collection of rare books and manuscripts, particularly related to the Americas. His passion for history and literature led him to collect significant works from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Brown's library, established in 1846, is affiliated with Brown University and serves as a vital resource for scholars and researchers. The collection includes early maps, historical documents, and works by notable authors, making it an important institution for the study of American history and culture.