Welcome to Henry's Travel Blog!
Although he kept detailed business papers, Missouri Botanical Garden founder Henry Shaw left little personal material for biographers to consider in analyzing his life. One of the few items which remain is a series of five journals. Following his retirement from the hardware business in 1840, Shaw traveled abroad and made notes, recollections, and even sketches in these small bound books. Join us as we chart Henry's journey to Europe and beyond.
 
Shaw's variable spellings, punctuation, and grammar, preserved throughout, are typical even for well-educated gentlemen in the 19th Century. Important note (4/14/09): The entries from March 11, 2009 through April 8, 2009, correspond to recently discovered text from Henry Shaw's journal. They will be posted online under the correct dates to preserve chronological accuracy.
 
   
   

Posted Online Sunday, February 22, 2009

July 18, 1840: Michilimackinac

One o'clock this morning came to at the island of Michilimackinac - being a clear moonlight, went on shore - intended to have left the boat and run around a couple of days, but found the accomdations for travelers very indifferent -

Found a number of indians encamped - they had arrived the day before in their bark canoes - the place has much the appearance of a Canadian village - the fort is on a commanding position above the town - the place is celebrated for the purity of its climate - and tho in the midst of summer found a great coat very comfortable -

At half past two in the morning observed a brightening in the sky in our direction - which took first for the Aurora Borealis - but this brilliancy increasing found it to be in the East and to be "Aurora goddess of the morn".

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