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 Saturday, February 28, 2009

July 27, 1840: Buffaloe

Passed at Buffaloe at an elegant hotel called the American House - from the cupola on the roof had an extensive of the lake and surrounding country - scene enlivened by the departure of steamer from the upper lakes and arrival of sloops at the pier - Buffaloe has much the appearance and bust of a small seaport -

Left in the evening for the Falls of Niagara - rode along the shore of Niagara River - the country flat. Pleasant prospect of the river and the celebrated Navy Island which is still nearly covered with timber.


view page: 1

Posted Online Friday, February 27, 2009

July 26, 1840: Niagara Falls

Started on a pleasure excursion to the Falls of Niagara in company with Mother - sister S. and Miss Julia Guernsey arrived same day at Buffaloe - journey pleasant - part by Rail Road and part by stage.

view page: 1

Posted Online Thursday, February 26, 2009

July 22 and 23: Family

Spent with my family at Rochester.

view page: 1

Posted Online Wednesday, February 25, 2009

July 21, 1840: Visiting Family in Rochester

At two o'clock this morning came to the termination of our lake voyage by arriving at the flourishing port of Buffaloe - so increased as scarcely to be recognized as the Buffaloe of 15 years ago - and evidences of a more extensive commerce than has yet observed at any place since leaving St. Louis -

The American Hotel a magnificent building and others of much magnificence and splendor. Buffaloe is indebted to the enterprise of a forger on a scale of grandeur on a par with this building - is now in the Penitentairry - and name of will long remain a terror to evil doers -

Came by stage to Battavia and thence by Rail Road to Rochester where I arrived in a thunder storm and at last have the pleasure of joining my dear old parents - an obligation that I have had on my mind so many years and very thankfull to find them in good health and to a good providence that has once more restored them to me - my sisters also in appearance much better than from previous ill health had any expectation of finding - am much pleased with their neat comfortable little dwelling - which I have facetiously named "Economy Hall" - also with their little circle of friends to whom there appears to be a tried and sincere attachment.

view pages: 1, 2, 3

Posted Online Tuesday, February 24, 2009

July 20, 1840: Cleaveland

Before rising from our confined births have landed at the pier at the port of Cleaveland in Ohio - a bustling place of trade - and a great deal of the mock magnificient in their recently erected houses and hotels - a heavy swell in the lake this evening which made the upper cabins of the Great Western roll dreadfully.

view page: 1

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.

view pages: 1, 2

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".

view pages: 1, 2