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, March 9, 2009

August 8 to 18, 1840: Traveling the U.S. before leaving for Italy

Spent at Rochester with my family and regret that I cannot conveniently remain longer with them - for after such a long absence it is regret that I leave them so soon - but the winter is approaching and my object is to go to Italy and there to pass the greater part of winter -

On the 18th took leave of my aged parents once more - my sister Sarah accompanied me to spend a few weeks in traveling about in the U States it being our intention to visit N York - Philadelphia - Baltimore and Washington and perhaps Boston -

Our first day's traveling was very hot - dusty - disagreeable - nine of us crowded in a stage coach for 60 miles to Auburn - then 80 more - pleasantly and more swiftly to Utica on a Rail Road - when we arrived late in the evening and put up at a very crowded Hotel (Baggs's).

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