", Jackson had wanted a dog along on the trip and purchased the American bulldog, Bud, in Caldwell, Idaho. more than 30 times. This article about a historical documentary film is a stub. Horatio Nelson Jackson departed San Francisco onMay 23rd, 1903 for what was to become Americas first ever road trip and all because of a 50 dollar bet made just 5 days prior. Two other motoring partieseach anxious to claim the title of first to drive across countrydeparted while Marker is on Soda Point Power Plant Road near Reservoir Road, on the right when traveling south. The trek will begin at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco with a gala sendoff, including the attendance of filmmaker Ken Burns, who recently completed a documentary about the first cross-country drive. Be inspired! When Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson wagered in May 1903 that he could drive from San Francisco to New York in 90 days, there were only 150 miles of paved road in the entire country. Jackson was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on March 25, 1872, a son of Samuel Nelson Jackson (1838-1913) and Mary Anne (Parkyn) Jackson (1843-1916). They were also given a 108-mile (174km) misdirection by a woman so that she could send them to the spot where her family could see an automobile.[6]. My darling Swipes. The Lincoln Highway was the first transcontinental motor route, created in 1913. York City. H. Nelson Jackson (Vermont physician) In the spring of 1903, at a time when many people thought that the automotive industry had no future and that cars were merely an invention aimed at fun, Jackson accepted a $50 bet to prove that it was possible to drive a car from San Francisco to New York City. [Horatio Nelson Jackson].[P.S.] The documentary focuses primarily on Horatio Nelson Jackson and his Winton car, the Vermont; along with his companions Sewall K. Crocker, his pet pitbull Bud and frequent correspondence with Jackson's wife Bertha Richardson Wells (called "Swipes" by Jackson). Quite a flurry of excitement was erected Saturday evening by the arrival of an automobile. Jackson and his wife planned to return to their Burlington, Vermont, home in a few days, and both had been taking automobile driving lessons while in San Francisco. "[Horatio Nelson Jackson], My darling Girl: We have crossed the mountains & dont expect to come to anymore until we get into Idaho. Tires, somewhat expectedly, continued to blow out forcing them at times to wind rope around the wheel so it could act as rudimentary tire but at least they could go on. That someone was Horatio Jackson Nelson. He purchased a 1903 Winton With 146 illustrations and 1 map Read more Print length 192 pages Language English Between 12th and 14th Streets This allowed them to avoid the higher passes in the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains. In 1903 there were only 150 miles of paved roads in the entire nation and most people had never seen a "horseless buggy" - but that did not stop Horatio Nelson Jackson, a 31-year-old Vermont doctor, who impulsively bet $50 that he could drive his 20-horsepower automobile from San Francisco to New York City. Interested in having your company's ad featured on Basin & Range Magazine? One hundred years ago, on May 23, 1903, an eccentric doctor from Vermont named Horatio Nelson Jackson set off from San Francisco in a 20-horsepower Winton touring car, hoping to become the first . "We're standing in . . "The majority opinion expressed was that, save for short distances, the automobile was an unreliable novelty," Jackson later wrote. ", "Col. Nelson Jackson: The Man Who Spent $8,000 to Win a $50 Bet" Martin Sheridan. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. This is a carousel. Somewhere along this route, Jackson lost a pair of his glasses. The way the streets of Lakeview were lined with people Tuesday afternoon, one would think a circus was coming to town, or a 4th of July procession was about to pass. He bought a slightly used, two-cylinder,[4] 20hp[5] Winton, which he named the Vermont, after his home state, bade his wife goodbye, and left San Francisco on May 23, carrying coats, rubber protective suits, sleeping bags, blankets, canteens, a water bag, an axe, a shovel, a telescope, tools, spare parts, a block and tackle, cans for extra gasoline and oil, a Kodak camera, a rifle, a shotgun, and pistols.[6]. Sponsored by the National American Woman Suffrage Association, the trip began and ended in New In Caldwell, Idaho, they met a man who offered them a dog as a mascot. This historical marker was erected by America's Byways. Once underway again, it was only 3 days later that they ran out of oil. "Right down that road," she said and pointed. Even before we had cars, Americans have been drawn out to explore the unknown horizons. In 1916, a car covered its entire length in just 5 days so much faster than that first trip across the country! When we get there the worst will be over.I can run the car as well as Crocker & have rather surprised him We take 2 hours on and 2 off at the wheel. In those days, almost all of the paved roads were in cities, and most people traveled no more than 12 miles from their homes. Of course, these guidebooks were only published in the more-populated East at the time. PBS is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. This post contains affiliate links. The family all turned out to stare at us and told us we'd have to go back.We went back, and met the red-haired young woman again. "The rubber tires on the machine were somewhat worn and a new supply was ordered from the East by telegraph to be sent to this place. Pin it so that others can experience the first American cross-country road trip and compare it to some of their own adventures! (Hollister Jackson was serving as Lieutenant Governor of Vermont when he died in the Great Vermont Flood of 1927. "At the time they made the trip, there was a perception that the American frontier was closed. Horatio Nelson Jackson (March 25, 1872 January 14, 1955) was an American automobile pioneer. "Ocean to Ocean in an Automobile Car," Stephen Sears, Bud grew so accustomed to his riding goggles that "he would not begin the day's drive without them. It was a fascinating story, full of experiences that I could totally relate to while at the same time it was an adventure I could hardly imagine. By CATHERINE SEIPP. At this point, the trio became celebrities. Generally speaking, America in 1903 hadno roadsbetween cities, towns, or any other landmarks for that matter. Contents 1 Early life and medical career 2 Cross-country drive 2.1 Wager and preparation 2.2 Journey 3 Later life Thankfully, they could then manage about 250 miles a day. , The route of US 30 traces its origin to the early 1900s. Another brother, Hollister Jackson, served as Lieutenant governor of Vermont. Here we slept under our carriage. Soon enough though, while traveling though the alkali flats of eastern Oregon and Idaho, they noticed that the harsh environment irritated Buds eyes. completed the first transcontinental automobile trip, from San Francisco to New York, in 63 days, 12 hours and 30 minutes. One hundred years later, another doctor is following in Jackson's patched tire tracks. With lots of love to all I am yours.NelsonP.S. I came pretty nearly having cold feet. It has been an awful long time to us and I shall be mighty glad when we are on the way again and unless another serious accident happens we ought to be able to make good time across these plainsWell, tomorrow is our anniversary & I wish I could be with you. coats and sweaters and two small suitcases for their clothes Except for its heavy coat of mud and dilapidated front tires, the car is little the worse for its rough usage. All Rights Reserved. A few companies had started to put out guidebooks with detailed instructions on how to get from one town to the next. Driving Directions to Omaha, NE including road conditions, live traffic updates, and reviews of local businesses along the way. I feel more confident that I can make New YorkWe are causing a great sensation along the road it is the first machine that has ever gone over these mountains. His arrival in New York City, after every imaginable breakdown and delay, proved that the "horseless . Despite mud, washouts, breakdowns, and a lack of roads and bridges in the West, they finished their trip in 63 days. Churning dust irritated Buds eyes, and Jackson purchased this pair of goggles for him. Hmm, perhaps youve never stopped to think about it before. for many, many years. But relief would not comfort them since they soon heard that competing corporate sponsored teams from both Packard and Oldsmobile were chasing them down hoping to steal the crown of first across the US in a motor car. Packard had secretly been planning their journey for months before Horatios fateful 50 dollar bet, and Oldsmobile had hoped to show the world what assembly line manufactured cars were capable of. Occasionally horses and cars gave her Making matters worse, these trails were generally considered informaland werent typically mapped with any senseof care or accuracy. After twomore days ofplanning and preparation, the two began their unbelievable impromptu journey eastwardtowards New York City. Between 1909 and 1975, Ramsey drove across the country 5 at three this afternoon, but a message this noon from the train agent says that he has nothing, so it is another day. They left San Francisco on May 23, 1903, loaded with gear and enthusiasm. Im laid-back, sometimes scattered, a little curious, love to laugh, and always up for a fun road trip. Wilson Alwyn Bentley was born on February 9, 1865, in Jericho, Vermont. His enthusiasm was matched only by his underestimate of the effort needed to accomplish the journey. Both Packard and Oldsmobile were unable to maintain their forward progress through the tough times of the Rockies and within a month each, they eventually gave up their efforts to beat Horatio, Jackson and Bud to be the first to complete a journey across the North American continent in an automobile. Thanks! Please give my best love to your mother & tell [my] father & mother that I love them as much as ever. But this newfangled automobile enticed Americans with two things they wanted most: freedom and mobility. Jackson (at the wheel) enlisted Sewall Crocker as his mechanic and co-driver, and bought a used Winton touring car. The experiences and adventures of the trip have been of an exciting nature, which may be better understood when it is known that he traveled 3,000 miles through a country never before touched by an automobile. Sometimes, though, we had to hunt for five miles to find a place where we could get our machine on the track. We buried our car completely in one and after working a half-day to get it out again, three Italians came along, each packing a heavy bag. In Cheyenne, Wyoming, the trio took a short break as they waited for more money to come through the wire, and repaired yet another mechanical failure, this time to the wheel bearings. Those who had seen automobiles mostly complained about the noise and dust they caused and their tendency to spook horses. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), A Sky Full of Adventure at the Balloon Museum, The Right Word Peter Roget and His Thesaurus, Mosquitos - What are they good for? The Jackson-Crocker trip excited people across the nation. There were also no signs because most people out driving were locals who knew all the turns already. As an indication of how slow this trip would turn out to be, the first stop was a few blocks east of the Palace Hotel -- the San Francisco-Oakland ferry terminal. Dr. H. Nelson Jackson and Sewall K. Crocker, his chauffeur, finished the first transcontinental automobile trip at half-past four o'clock yesterday morning. When the tires failed to materialize, however, they continued on after a three-day wait. she drove a Maxwell touring car from New York to San Francisco in 59 days. So Bud is now with us.We stopped at Nampa and had lunch at the Dewey Hotel. A map of Horatio's route and his 63-day itinerary The Gear After removing the backseat to make room for more gear, they packed the following items to begin the long journey: sleeping bags cooking gear rubber mackintoshes for themselves and the car (remember - no roof, no windshield!) Jackson had made it from San Francisco in 63 days, 12 hours, and 30 minutes - well within his wager of 90 days. "Why did you send us way down there?" "Everyone pooh- poohed the idea of even attempting such a journey.". "Which way to Marysville?" All attempts heretofore to go overland in an automobile have come to grief either through the machines breaking down or because long stretches of sand were encountered through which the horseless carriages could make no headway. He also had the sense to hire a good bicycle-turned-car mechanic in Crocker. About 15 miles (24km) from home his car once again broke down. The trip,. The trip began after a discussion in a San Francisco mens club as to the feasibility of a transcontinental auto crossing. It was also the same year that the Frontier in America was consideredclosed. The only mishap happened just east of Buffalo, New York, when the Vermont ran into a hidden obstacle in the road and Jackson, Crocker, and Bud were thrown from the car. Enter Horatios Drive: Americas First Road Trip, a documentary produced by Ken Burns. DriveBestWay.com is a route planner for car travelers, providing a lot of travel-related calculations like road distance, driving time, fuel cost Online route planner for car travelers - United States and worldwide - DriveBestWay.com Jackson was seated in a gentleman's club when he overheard a discussion at another table about the impracticability of automobiles. He is also very handy at repairing, a faculty that may prove of value. Despite mud, washouts, breakdowns, and a lack of roads and bridges in the West, they finished their trip in 63 days. Following the railroad right-of-way seemed the best way to go as they headed out. In addition to owning and publishing the Burlington Daily News, he was head of the Burlington Trust Company, and owned and operated radio station WCAX (now WVMT). I am tired & got to get up early in the morning & damn anxious to get you in my arms. Want to know what other interesting things there are to see out on the road? When night came on we made camp beside the car, and having lost our cooking outfit and provisions, and [it] being an uninhabited region went to bed without any supper. Yet the young retired doctor, along with a mechanical assistant and a dog, took up the . "Discovering their loss, Jackson and Crocker determined that living off the countryside or starving was less to be feared than a return trip," wrote Jackson's friend Ralph Nading Hill in his book "The Mad Doctor's Drive. Following the war, he became one of the founders of theAmerican Legion, and twice ran forGovernor of Vermont. )[11], A longtime member of the Vermont National Guard when World War I broke out, Jackson was considered too old for active service, but he contacted former President Theodore Roosevelt (whom he had met at some point in Burlington), through whose influence Jackson was placed on active duty as a captain in the Medical Corps. The press came out at every stop to take their picture and conduct interviews. Jackson's trip started in a hastily purchased Winton that he named the "Vermont" four days after he made the bet. In Oregon, their path would often require them to ford streams some of which were quick and easy while others would require them to get out, affix the block and tackle and man-haul their trusty steed across the raging torrents. It was one of the few original parts never replaced during the entire journey. But, 2 days after the bet, Horatiofinalized the purchase of his first car, a Winton that he dubbed The Vermont after his home state. Steve Perkins, Executive Director of the Vermont Historical Society, gives us a little background, before launching into the fascinating story of Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson. The first family road trip was in 1908. The soundtrack includes a variety of music, including some bluegrass instrumentals and a modern rendition by Bobby Horton of an old song called "He'd Have to Get Under Get Out and Get Under (to Fix Up His Automobile)". Peter Kesling, 71, an orthodontist and antique auto museum owner from La Porte, Ind., has a good idea of what might be in store Tuesday when he climbs aboard his own 1903 Winton and starts out to duplicate the historic feat. I shall think of you a good deal tomorrow, as I always do. When the travelers reached Omaha, Nebraska on July 12 they were able to stitch together a few paved roads in between the stretches of older wagon trails. It will be undertaken by Dr. H. Nelson Jackson of Vermont and S.K. I am not much of a hand to write love letters: you didnt give me a chance for much practice, but you know dear how I feel. Crocker made repairs, but a fuel leak caused them to lose all of their available gasoline, and Jackson rented a bicycle for Crocker to travel 25 miles (40km) to Burns, Oregon, for fuel. [17][18], In 1944, Jackson gave his Winton, the Vermont, to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., where it is preserved.[6]. Driving Directions to Prescott, AZ including road conditions, live traffic updates, and reviews of local businesses along the way. As I had been trying to steal one we were glad to get him so accepted the present (consideration $15.00). We focus on Mountain and Action Sports, Travel, Recreation, and the inspirational personalities that make up the New North American Western Lifestyle. Click on each stop of the journey to learn. Horatio's letter to Bertha | May 31, 1903 . Traveled at 40 mph, and "said they sometimes spurted up to 60 miles an hour.". Jackson and Crockers trip inspired an organized movement to improve the nations roads and make them better for cars. (c) 2014 Re:West Media House, LLC. While crossing the Rocky Mountains, they were moving boulders by hand out of their path. The finishing dash over the plains to the East Coast was as much a struggle with the "buffalo wallows" as it was with the car, but in the end Jackson was not to be denied. After 63 days on the road, the expedition reached New York. They are all like a lot of kids I have made arrangements to have the Winton agent at New York to take you up the Hudson to meet me. Fortunately, Jackson was an optimist. and their dog Bud made the first successful transcontinental automobile trip. As luck would have it, the movie was available on Amazon prime for just a few more days so I immediately added it to the top of my list. ", Bud, wrote Jackson, was "the one member of (our) trio who used no profanity on the entire trip.". ), coats and sweaters and two small suitcases for their clothes, a set of tools including two jacks, a spade, and a firemans ax, a block and tackle with 150 feet of hemp rope, a small Kodak camera to record his trip (this just warms my little memory-keeping heart! Jackson was unable to replenish the tire he blew but was however able to purchase some slightly used inner tubes. The rough trek towards Oregon required them to haul the car across deep streams with the block and tackle. Shortly after returning to the road, both of the brothers' vehicles broke down, and Jackson towed them both home with the Vermont. In 1903, H. Nelson Jackson and Sewall K. Crocker completed the first motor trip across the United States in this car, which Jackson named for his home state. Before leaving, the machine will have a thorough overhauling and be put into condition for fast running. Jackson was unable to buy a new tire, but purchased some used inner tubes. As Burke and Richardson drove around the country, overcoming the challenges of rough roads and mechanical breakdowns, they showed that women could be at home in the masculine domain of machines. Documentary film maker Ken Burns produced a film, Horatio's Drive, for PBS. H. Nelson Jacksons trip in 1903 inspired dozens of motorists to cross the country. Dr. Jackson started his trek in San Francisco in a 20-horsepower Winton touring car he called "Vermont" (honoring the state in which he and his wife Bertha lived), and the final destination was Burlington, Vermont. The trip had to be called off after a one-armed bicyclist made up a 10- day head start from New York and passed the hapless car before it reached Syracuse. I had to know more! The thick coating of mud gave evidence that it had been somewhere and that somewhere a long way off. Just 4 days after declaring his intentions, he had found a car and a chauffeur. He owned a newspaper, a bank andradio station WCAX (nowWVMT). Outside of major cities, spotting a car then was almost the equivalent of seeing a UFO today. At Mountain Home, Idaho, citizens warned them that the Oregon Trail was not good further east, so Jackson and Crocker veered off their original course along the southern edge of the Sawtooth Mountains. Sidebar ads are available in 125 x 125 and 480 x 60 sizes, in bi-monthly or six month intervals. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. The further they pushed on through Idaho and Wyoming, the more it seemed that the team would actually make it. Or sometimes I just need to, Read More The Right Word Peter Roget and His ThesaurusContinue, If youve never heard of Snowflake Bentley, then Ive got a treat for you! They removed the backseat to make more room for gear and spare parts. Jackson was possessed of a deep thirst for adventure, and his remarkable story chronicles the very beginning of the restless road trips that soon became a way of life in America.