What Happened to Phineas Gage After?

After surviving a remarkable brain injury, Phineas Gage lived for several more years, taking on various unusual jobs and eventually moving to San Francisco due to declining health.

Life After the Incredible Accident

Phineas Gage, famously known for surviving a severe brain injury in 1848 when an iron rod pierced his skull, lived for over a decade following the incident. While his initial physical recovery was notable, his life after the accident took an interesting and varied path, deviating significantly from his previous occupation.

A Period of Varied Employment

Following his recovery, Gage did not resume his work as a foreman. Instead, he embarked on a series of distinct occupations that reflected his changed circumstances and perhaps his new public notoriety. His post-accident jobs included:

• Exhibiting himself at Barnum's American Museum: For a period, Gage showcased himself and the tamping iron that caused his injury at Barnum's American Museum in New York City. This role allowed him to become a living exhibit of his extraordinary survival.
• Working in a livery stable: He also found employment in the livery stable of the Dartmouth Inn, located in Hanover, New Hampshire. This stable work provided a more conventional form of labor.
• Driving coaches in Chile: Notably, Gage spent several years abroad, working as a coach driver in Chile. This position suggests a considerable level of functional recovery, as it would have required significant cognitive and motor skills for long-distance travel.

Declining Health and Final Years

In 1859, Phineas Gage's health began to fail, prompting a significant life change. He decided to move from the East Coast to San Francisco, California, where he lived with his mother. He remained in San Francisco until his death in 1860, approximately 12 years after his famous accident. His unique case continues to be a pivotal study in neuroscience, offering invaluable insights into the brain's role in personality and behavior.