Horatio's Drive: America's First Road Trip

In 1903, the prevailing view among Americans was that automobiles were suited only for short journeys, but Horatio Nelson Jackson held a different perspective. Determined to prove his point, he wagered fifty dollars on his ability to drive across the entire country. Setting out from California, Jackson, accompanied by a hired companion, aimed to traverse Oregon, the Rocky Mountain states, the Midwest, and ultimately reach New York City. Their journey, fraught with mechanical challenges, captured widespread media attention and turned Jackson into a public figure. As they progressed with their dog in tow, two rival teams departed from San Francisco, each vying to outpace Jackson and claim the distinction of being the first to arrive in New York.