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, September 21, 2009

December 10-11,1841: I Gesuati

Reading as yesterday - in the evening at the theatre Malibron - the tragedy of Medea & Jason was performed - theatre cold and uncomfortable - [Dec. 10]

My fellow travelers Mess— Simos & Bouba left Venice this day for Bologna & Florence - we have been together since meeting on the Graben the 7th Ult, at Vienna - long enough for travelers - for variety is the very soul of traveling - [Dec. 11]