Cadwallader Lincoln Washburn was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on October 13, 1866, and became deaf at age five as a result of scarlet fever and spinal meningitis. Washburn later mentioned that “deafness may sometimes be an inconvenience but never a handicap.” He attended Gallaudet College and graduated in 1890 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He went on to study art at the Art Students League in New York City and took private lessons with a well-known painter, William Merrit Chase, enabling Washburn to travel internationally studying the artwork. Washburn studied in Madrid and, in 1904, became a war correspondent with his brother, Stanley, in Japan and Manchuria for the Chicago Daily News. Washburn was significant as an etcher, but he transformed to painting due to the strain etching caused on his eyes. He was a well-known drypoint etcher and oil painter; currently, his work is displayed worldwide. Washburn was a member of several organizations such as the American Federation of Arts and New York City’s National Arts Club. He passed away at age 99 on December 21, 1965. His legacy continues to be honored by the Deaf Community. On May 18, 1969, Gallaudet University renamed their art building “The Washburn Art Center.”