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 Monday, February 23, 2009

July 19, 1840: Detroit

Sail'd thro the wide waters of Lake Huron - and at ten o'clock this morning arrived at the city of Detroit - being Sunday morning found the people at church - went in for a few minutes to the Presbyterian - and then to the Catholic church - they were singing the anthem the female voices were pleasing and unaffected -There are a number of painting - the most conspicuous next to the alter piece (a holy family) is a robust figure of St. Peter with the Kuis -

Lastly, call'd in at the Episcopal church - where everything appeared to be in perfect order - and a most respectable congregation -

Left at Detroit in the evening and passed down the river St. Clair the banks of which are with cottages and orchids - to Lake Erie.

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