Early Transportation and Travel, 1820-1860

EARLY TRANSPORTATION AND TRAVEL, 1820-1860

Complete Content List

- Full Citation: Theodore Armitage, "Flatboating on the Wabash- A Diary of 1847," Indiana Magazine of History 9, no. 4 (December 1913): 272-275.
- Home: Carroll County (Pittsburg)
- Year: 1847
- Abstract:This is a diary of a two-month flatboat trip from Pittsburgh, Indiana to New Orleans (a distance of 1,093 miles). Theodore Armitage kept notes to document his travels aboard the flatboat Whig, which was used to deliver a variety of food products to cities along the way. The diary is written in a style that reflects "shorthand" phrases, focusing on details such as the weather, the cargo aboard the flatboat, and the location and progress of the trip.
- Sample Text:
  1. "March 19th. At 9 o’clock cut loose and passed Williamsport 2 and 1/2 miles below on the right; land 4 miles below on the left. Warm at 4 o’clock. Lay to the 22nd and cut loose at 3 o’clock; landed at Covington at 11 o’clock. March 23d, Tuesday. Loaded 100 bbls. flour, 104 sacks oats, 100 bu. corn" (p. 273)
  2. "March 31. Cut loose in the evening. Run all night and passed Darwin, Illinois. Daylight at Wild-Goose Pond on the left. Passed York at 8 o’clock. April 1. Passed Huckleberry Bend some 4 or 5 miles below; cut off on the right. A very strong current into it; some rain in the afternoon; cold; landed 4 miles above Merom [north of Vincennes] on the right." (p. 274)
- LC Subject Headings:
  1. Flatboats
- Full Citation: Henry Baker, "The Snowfall in October, 1869," Indiana Magazine of History 2, no. 2 (June 1906): 105-106.
- Home: Greene County (Worthington)
- Year: 1869
- Abstract: This is a short account of a man trying to recall the date of a peculiar snowfall in October of 1869 (when the trees were still in full bloom). The narrative flows primarily as a stream-of-consciousness and provides little factual information, but it does allow a brief look at the struggles involved in personal recollection of the past and a longing for documentation of personal history.
- Sample Text:
  1. “I well recollect a snow in 1843, when I was just turned into my twelfth year, that for severity has perhaps never been equalled. The day of the month or week I fail to recollect, but from an old man of my acquaintance and several years my senior, I learned it was the 4 th . I have a vivid recollection that will remain with me as to snow while the trees were in full leaf.” (105-6)
- LC Subject Headings:
- Full Citation: Sanford C. Cox, "A Steamer Trip from Lafayette to Logansport in 1834," Indiana Magazine of History 24, no. 4 (December 1928): 316-318.
- Home: unknown
- Year: 1834
- Abstract: This document is taken from a memoir of Sanford Cox, a school teacher and citizen of the frontier. The main themes are Cox's hope that river towns like Logansport would improve and grow and sympathy for the hardships they faced. The well-written narrative speaks of being stuck on rapids and other difficulties in making these river journeys.
- Sample Text:
  1. “Several days and nights were spent in fruitless attempts to get over the rapids. All hands, except the women, and a few others, were frequently in the water up to their chins, for hours endeavoring to lift the boat off the bar.” (317)
- LC Subject Headings:
- Full Citation: Wilson Daniels, "Steam-Boating on the Ohio and Mississippi before the Civil War," ed. Preston A. Barba, Indiana Magazine of History 11, no. 2 (June 1915): 99-127.
- Home: Perry County (Troy)
- Year: 1840
- Abstract:This account, a memoir by Captain Wilson Daniels, begins in 1840 when a young Daniels took his very first trip on a steamboat from Troy, IN to St. Louis. Initially hesitant to leave his friends and family, Daniels soon began to enjoy the trip and recalls it as what inspired him to become a steamboat captain. The eloquently written memoir presents solid information about the hands-on training and practical education need to become a captain; it is also laced with vivid descriptions of specific areas Daniels traveled through, as well as references to the time period.
- Sample Text:
  1. "Looking back at every familiar object that presented itself then, the group of friends still huddled together with waving handkerchiefs as we were leaving them far in the distance, I could see that loving old mother still weeping and wiping the tears from her eyes. Still I gazed, my heart still growing weaker and heavier, until the boat rounded the point and lost to sight that dear old town, mother and friends still following me with their tear wet eyes. The sad thoughts were more than I could stand. Alas! I broke down and boohooed right out. I thought at one moment I would jump into the river and swim ashore as I was a good swimmer and knew I could make the shore." (p. 103)
  2. "At daylight I was woken up by the loud commands of the mate to the deck hands to launch in the planks, and cast off the lines, then the escaping of the boat. I sprang out of my nest of straw and climbed to the top of the flatboat, looked for some place to wash my face and hands. Finally, I found a bucket, dipped up some water, washed and took my handkerchief for a towel. Then I sauntered over to the steamboat and there I met my uncle, Capt. Wright. He said: 'Sonny, how did you rest last night?' I told him. He said: 'Now after breakfast I want you to go into the pilot house and help the old man pull down on the wheel. He is so crippled. He will learn you how to steer the boat.' This was a great relief to my mind and was what I most desired." (p. 105)
- LC Subject Headings:
- Full Citation: James D. Davidson and Greenlee Davidson, "Diaries of Visitors to Indiana," Indiana Magazine of History 24, no. 2 (June 1928): 130-136.
- Home: Virginia
- Year: 1836/1857
- Abstract: This document consists of excerpts from the diaries of James D. Davidson (1836) and Greenlee Davidson (1857) during visits to Indiana. Both men were lawyers, and Greenlee was James' son. The men's diaries provide two looks at the state of Indiana over the course of two decades. The entries touch on issues of slavery, churches, travel, and urban development. In an editor's note, the earliest version of the alleged Indianapolis model for Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin is made at the end of G. Davidson's diary.
- Sample Text:
  1. “With the people of Greensburg, I am pleased. They are plain and kind. ‘Mine host,' is an old Virginian, and when he found out that I was a Virginian, he almost embraced me. A Virginian of the South or West, will greet with welcome, A Virginian, wherever he meets him. They seem to be proud of the name.” G. Davidson (132)
- LC Subject Headings:
- Full Citation: William P. Dole and Jane Dole, "William P. Dole: Wabash Valley Merchant and Flatboatman," ed. Donald F. Carmony, Indiana Magazine of History 67, no. 4 (December 1971): 335-363.
- Home: Vermillion County
- Year: 1840-1843
- Abstract: These letters are exchanged by William P. Dole and his wife, Jane, as he partakes in flatboat trips to New Orleans in the early 1840's. William, a man who works in the grocery and dry goods business, writes his wife letters frequently. He tells her of the conditions of the river, how the business is doing, and always ends with doting salutations. Jane's letters are few and far between and focus mainly on the poor health of herself and their son, William. The letters provide a closer look at a personal side of the practice of flatboating.
- Sample Text:
  1. “I could not meet my debts if I staid & I was not doing my duty to you in Leaving you confined as you were to a sick bed all of which has harassed my mind not a Little bit but with it all I have one consolation and a great one too which is that I believe you to be satisfied that I was doing for the best and that you was willing I should Leave” -William (347)
  2. “I have been alone 2 before but I dont think I ever past the time So unhappy before. I have not been well anugh to ride out any yet and but little of time that I could leave my room but one satisfaction I have to know the time will come when you will be with me at home – I want you not to make arrangements to go back their again but I fear if the prices be as bad as we here they ar that you will not have the change to go a gain” -Jane (360)
  3. “I think the time for a man to show himself worthy of the name is when he is in difficulty & for me to give up the ghost (as the saying is) until the Last dog is dead would be acting the coward & not using that Energy which is due from Every man to his family.” -William (361)
- LC Subject Headings:
- Full Citation: John Scott Elder, "The First Steamboat on White River: From the Journal of an Old Pilot," ed. Emma Carleton, Indiana Magazine of History 2, no. 2 (June 1907): 95-96.
- Home: Lexington, Ky.
- Year: 1829
- Abstract: This short document was written by John Scott Elder, an Ohio River boat pilot. In 1829, the experienced pilot had wanted to quit his job but instead ended up piloting the first steamboat trip on the White River. Scott writes of the small size and many curves of the river. He offers a brief but thorough description of the journey.
- Sample Text:
  1. “I told Christopher if he could stand it, I could. So my pardner stood watch until twelve o'clock and then called me up. When I took hold of the wheel I do not think I was ever in such a bad fix in my life, for a man that is a pilot can generally see the river all the way ahead of him.” (96)
- LC Subject Headings:
- Full Citation: Harriet McIntyre Foster, "Memories of the National Road," Indiana Magazine of History 13, no. 1 (March 1917): 60-66.
- Home: Marion County (Indianapolis)
- Year:1916
- Abstract: This is a descriptive literary essay about the national road, read at the dedication of the Marker at the crossing of the National and Michigan Roads in Indianapolis. The author begins the essay with a history of the road, and adds her own personal interest in it (having grown up next to it). She tells of the visitors (including President Harrison) that the road brought into her life, the beautiful scenery through which it winds, and the famous landmarks found on its path.
- Sample Text:
  1. "The traveler on this road passed through a great variety of scenery diversified by mountain views, grand and historic rivers, flourishing towns and villages and interesting homes of distinguished people. A few miles east of Wheeling, on that National Road , is a very beautiful stone bridge over Wheeling Creek." (p. 61-62)
  2. "During these early years there was a great exodus of people from the East to the West who were constantly passing over the National Road to the far West. It was a constant source of interest for all the children to stand by the entrance gate and watch the almost endless stream of 'movers in their canvas covered wagons, 'prairie schooners' as they were called, followed by droves of weary cattle. It was a passing scene of great interest and often of tragedy." (p. 64-65)
- LC Subject Headings:
- Full Citation: John Calvin Gilkeson, "Flatboat Building on Little Raccoon Creek, Parke County, Indiana," ed. Donald F. Carmony, Indiana Magazine of History 60, no. 4 (December 1964): 305-322.
- Home: Parke County
- Year: c. 1890
- Abstract: This is a detailed description of how to build a flatboat, written circa 1898 by John Calvin Gilkeson, a lumber yard and mill worker who built flatboats earlier in the 19 th century. Gilkeson's writing is technical, like a manual, and he uses labeled images to illustrate his description and instructions for building.
- Sample Text:
  1. “Thousands of bushels of corn and tons of pork were in those days shipped down the Wabash River and on down to the city of New Orleans I well remember when boat hands going down to New Orleans had to trudge back home on foot and thought they done pretty well to get home by the first Monday in August which was then general election day” (322)
- LC Subject Headings:
- Full Citation: J. Gould, "Wanderings in the West in 1839," Indiana Magazine of History 30, no. 1 (January 1934): 71-103.
- Home: unknown
- Year: 1839
- Abstract: This narrative, originally published as an article series in the New England Farmer, follows the author’s westward wanderings in 1839. The narrative includes accounts of his means of travel (by road and water) as well as descriptions of the cities and land he traveled through. Gould ends the article by discussing whether other Americans should engage in such wandering.
- Sample Text:
  1. "The merchants have a custom which I never noticed elsewhere, of hanging a festoon of red cloth, generally flannel, over their doors to catch the eyes of a passenger at a distance and these are the first objects that attract the notice of a stranger coming into town." (p. 98)
  2. "I do not conclude that it would be better for all to remain where they are. A young man who has a little money but not enough to give him a start in life, and who has in addition, strong hands and a light heart, will do well to emigrate, if he will avoid whiskey and gambling, and attend to his own business." (p. 285-286)
- LC Subject Headings:
- Full Citation: Samuel Bernard Judah, "A Journal of Travel from New York to Indiana in 1827," Indiana Magazine of History 17, no. 4 (December 1921): 338-352.
- Home: unknown
- Year: 1827
- Abstract: This is the journal of Dr. Samuel Benard Judah, kept during his travels to visit his son, Samuel, in Indiana in 1827. Judah details much about his trip—the length of the journey, the towns he passes through, his fellow travelers—and once he arrives in Indiana he begins to observe the pioneer frontier and the 'types' that he encounters. His observations of the settlers are heavily class based (classifying them through the connection of their financial status to where they settle).
- Sample Text:
  1. "Emigrants pass daily, the poor to Illinois, the richer to Missouri, the middle class of emigrants go to Indiana or Michigan, Illinois has a bad name, bad roads and bad public houses." (p. 347)
  2. "The morning fogs are disagreeable and unless you take some liquor you feel the effects. Of course, say the people of the west whisky, is the first of all good. I have not however, seen an habitual drunkard, tho (sic) whisky is drunk like water." (p. 349)
- LC Subject Headings:
- Full Citation: William McFarland with George S. Cottman, "Early Wagon Transportation," Indiana Magazine of History 4, no. 1 (March 1908): 7-8.
- Home: Marion County (Indianapolis)
- Year: 1906
- Abstract: This document contains excerpts from an interview with William McFarland, an Indianapolis man who hauled merchandise for the Ohio River markets in the 1830s. His informative narrative about wagon transportation includes information about different kinds of wagon decorations, taverns, and poor road conditions. He concludes the document with a nostalgic statement about the ending of the era of covered wagons.
- Sample Text:
  1. “Bad roads were the bane of those days, and the varying condition of these had much to do with the size of the load that could be hauled and the time occupied in the strip. Under favorable conditions ten days to and from Madison to Lawrenceburg, and twelve days for the Cincinnati trip were counted on; but sometimes it took almost twice that long.” (8)
- LC Subject Headings:
- Full Citation: T. A. Morris, "The Central Canal," Indiana Magazine of History 3, no. 3 (September 1908): 115-116.
- Home: unknown
- Year: 1898
- Abstract: This document contains excerpts from an interview with General T.A. Morris, engineer of the Central Canal, in 1898. The canal was to run from Wabash to Evansville, and was worked on during 1837 and 1838. This account includes information such as authorization and financial details on the canal and the natural hindrances that burdened the project.
- Sample Text:
  1. "There were forests and thickets and a great deal of swampy ground. There was a big swamp a mile or so south of Broad Ripple which contained water nearly all the year, and was a great feeding place for wild ducks." (p. 116)
- LC Subject Headings:
- Full Citation: T.W. Records, "Flatboats," Indiana Magazine of History 42, no. 4 (December 1946): 323-342.
- Home: Posey County (New Harmony)
- Year: 1946
- Abstract: Commissioned by a former student who was the grandson of a flatboat captain, this research-based essay traces the importance of flatboats through the settlement of Indiana and its surrounding states. The English-teacher author provides detailed descriptions of the boats themselves and the system of commerce under which they operated. Used to haul and distribute goods, flatboats also served as an uncomfortable, but efficient, mode of transportation.
- Sample Text:
  1. "Most pioneers had very little capital, but possessed ambition, industry, and courage. They soon developed a very simple craft which required neither skilled labor nor blue prints to construct. At first log rafts were constructed, sometimes with small cabins to protect the travelers and their household goods from the weather." (p. 325)
- LC Subject Headings:
- Full Citation: Andrew TenBrook, "From Pennsylvania to Parke County: Recollections of Andrew TenBrook," ed. Donald F. Carmony, Indiana Magazine of History 61, no. 1 (March 1965): 1-30.
- Home: Parke County
- Year: 1823
- Abstract: This is a recollection of the journey from Pennsylvania to settle in Indiana. It begins with TenBrook's and his family's journey to Ohio, and continues as the young man makes the seventeen day trip to Indian County. It highlights post-Revolution Pennsylvania, the Depression of 1819, and the experience of settling a wild, undiscovered frontier, all written as a memoir from an older man looking back on his life.
- Sample Text:
  1. “At this time Indianapolis was all in the woods. There was one two story house. That was some where on Washington Street. The two story building was called Hawkin's tavern. (There were no hotels in those days) At this tavern we fell in with two Coutuckiens [Kentickians] that had come to see the country and had a two horse wagon and a barrel of whiskey to sell out to pay their expenses.” (21)
  2. “We were all common folks and enjoyed ourselves as well in our buckskins as the people of this day doe (sic) in their finest apparel. I recollect of wearing one pair of buckskins winter and summer Sundays and all times for two years. I first learned to dance in those old organs. Organs was the common name of buckskin pants.” (27)
- LC Subject Headings:
- Full Citation: Charles H. Titus, "The 1843 Travel Journal of Charles H. Titus," ed. George P. Clark, Indiana Magazine of History 85, no. 3 (September 1989): 193-235.
- Home: Madison (Jefferson County)
- Year: 1843
- Abstract: In his 1843 travel journal, young Methodist school teacher Charles Titus documents his journey through the Northwest and Indian country. He and his travel partner, Brother Ames, travel from Greencastle all the way to Toledo, Ohio by stagecoach and boat. Along the way Titus documents the landscapes, passengers, and hosts he encounters in a descriptive and somewhat self-conscious manner. He writes from the perspective of a New Englander unaccustomed to roughing it in the West, and he observes this country gladly knowing he will soon return to his native Maine.
- Sample Text:
  1. “When I became once more conscious, I found myself stumbling over the chairs of the cabin, on my way to the door. But still I found that it was not all a dream, that a little fresh air would, in reality, be very comfortable; so I kept on to the door, & felt much refreshed by the cool night air. I looked around, on reaching the door, when, lo & behold! Instead of moving on toward Maumee City we were fast, yes, actually fast on a log!” (218)
  2. “A few miles above Logansport, on the right of the canal, commences the tract of land known as the Indian Country. This was ceded to the U.S. last year, by the Miami Indians, who still occupy it. They are to leave it, & go west of the Mississippi in a year or two. The tribe, which was formerly numerous and powerful, has now dwindled to but a small remnant: fading away, as do all the other tribes, before the march of the white man.” (222)
  3. “However, the canal has been opened but a short time, and there is no doubt but there will soon be a good line of packets established. Until that time, I have no desire to travel on this canal again. I had intended to go this way home, on my return to Maine , but I now determined to go any other way in preference.” (235)
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