Stuff You Should Know The First Road Trip
Mar 28, 2023
Imagine a time when cars were novelties! Two daring men and a dog embarked on a wild journey from San Francisco to New York in 1903. Hear about their challenges, encounters with a pit bull mascot, and hilarious mishaps along the way. Discover how this pioneering trip transformed American travel habits, filled with memorable anecdotes and a glimpse into the quirky history of early road trippers. Plus, enjoy a comparison between vintage vehicles and modern ones in a playful exploration of auto travel's adventurous spirit!
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The Wager
- Horatio Nelson Jackson bet he could drive across the U.S. in 90 days.
- Four days later, he embarked on this journey.
Cars in 1903
- In 1903, cars were a novelty primarily for the wealthy.
- America's infrastructure was built for horses and trains, with few paved roads.
Durea's Failed Attempt
- A previous cross-country attempt in 1899 failed humorously.
- The Durea car, sponsored by National Motor Carriage Company, got beaten to Syracuse by a bicyclist.