Selects: The First Road Trip

The episode introduces the groundbreaking story of the first transcontinental road trip across the United States, set in 1903, when cars were a new, expensive, and experimental technology. It highlights the era's infrastructure, noting that most roads were unpaved and unreliable, and most Americans traveled locally by horse or train. The story underscores how daring and innovative it was for Horatio Nelson Jackson and Sewell Crocker to undertake such a journey in a primitive vehicle, illustrating the early days of automobile travel and the skepticism surrounding cars at the time.

This section details the early attempts at crossing the U.S. by car, including failed endeavors by the Davis couple and Winton, which faced difficulties like rough terrain, lack of roads, and limited resources. It elaborates on Jackson’s bold wager and decision to start from San Francisco with minimal preparation, using a used Winton Touring Car. Jackson and Crocker’s decision to begin their trip west to east, against conventional wisdom, helped them avoid the worst terrain first and ultimately succeeded in their adventurous quest, demonstrating the pioneering spirit of early automobile explorers.

The narrative covers the day-to-day struggles faced by Jackson, Crocker, and their dog Bud, including flat tires, mechanical failures, navigation challenges, and the physical hardships of driving through mountain ranges and deserts. They relied heavily on local guides, improvised repairs, and creative solutions to overcome obstacles like bad roads and scarce gas stations. Despite the hardships, they encountered various amusing and brave moments, such as dealing with misdirected locals and navigating treacherous mountain passes, illustrating the resilience and ingenuity of these early travelers.

The successful completion of the journey, ending in Manhattan after 63 days, served as a significant milestone in automotive history. Jackson’s trip demonstrated the viability of cross-country travel by car and helped promote the emerging automobile industry. The story also highlights the cultural shift, with increasing media attention, and the subsequent achievements of others like women drivers and record-breaking runs across the country. This section emphasizes how the initial pioneering trip paved the way for the modern era of long-distance automotive travel.

This part touches on related stories, such as early promotional efforts by car manufacturers, the racing and record-setting culture that followed, and the eventual establishment of traditions like the Cannonball Run. It includes nostalgic reflections on the evolution of road trips, the significance of maps before GPS, and the enduring sense of adventure and discovery associated with traveling by car. The host also shares amusing anecdotes, including a famous urban legend about a Segway accident, enhancing the episode's lively and engaging tone.