Welcome to Henry's Travel Blog! |
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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. | |
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July 17, 1840: Wisconsin |
Had an interesting view of the Manitou and other islands at head of Lake Michigan - all as well as the main shore appeared uninhabited - except the west side - we have pass'd several little towns in the territory call Wisconsin.
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July 16, 1840: Lake Traveling |
Took passage on board the fine Lake Steamer Great Western - distance to Buffalo computed at 1200 miles from the novelty found Lake traveling quite aggreable - the coolness of the air and purity and clearness of the water quietly contrasts to that of the Mississippi.
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July 15, 1840: Chicago climate |
Pass'd at Chicago - rather a dull place - a good hotel call'd the Lake House - and the air from the lake cool and refreshing to those coming from a Southern climate.
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July 14, 1840: Chicago |
Arrived at Chicago at 9:30 a.m. The Lake Steamer Illinois had left half an hour only before our arrival. Was of course much disappointed - have to wait two days for the Great Western.
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July 13, 1840: Through Illinois |
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July 11, 1840: St. Louis to Illinois |
Beginning of Journal of a Voyage from St. Louis – 1840
I was born on July 24, 1800, in Sheffield, England. On May 3, 1819, I arrived at a small French village on the Mississippi called St. Louis. I owned a hardware store and worked there from 1819 to 1840. In 1840, I retired and traveled around the world. In 1851, after seeing the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, outside London and the Chatsworth gardens in Devonshire, I decided to create my own garden in St. Louis.
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