The Exemplar
‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America
In 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the son of the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, traveled from coast to coast across America after a lifetime of imprisonment and persecution.
He called on America to become a land of spiritual distinction and leadership and gave a powerful vision of America’s spiritual destiny — to lead the way in establishing the oneness of humanity.
Today we remember and celebrate ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s presence among us. Navigate this site to explore the rich heritage of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s journey across America — the themes He addressed, the cities He visited, and the people He encountered.
In neighborhoods across America, we are drawing on His vision and His example to build unified, purposeful and spiritually uplifted communities. We invite you to get involved by finding Bahá’ís near you.
The Significance of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Journey across America
One hundred years ago there occurred an event of unparalleled, though, until now, generally unrecognized, significance to the destiny of America. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Son of Bahá’u’lláh, the Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, arrived in New York on April 11, 1912. His sojourn in North America lasted 239 days, including ten days in Canada, during which He traveled to important cities from the east to the west coast and met with people of divers backgrounds and interests. No other figure of comparable stature or imbued with the singular purpose that impelled Him has so favored this country.
