13 men and women on horseback get everyone's attention.
We'll go to the streets of St. Johnsbury.

St. Johnsbury residents witnessed an unusual group of tourists on this day in 1859. Travelers on horseback in large groups were not a common site. Most traveled by train, or if by road, by coach.

When a group of thirteen ladies and gentlemen on horseback trotted down the street in St. Johnsbury, people stopped and took notice. Apparently, the group was enroute to a summer resort in the White Mountains. They had come from New York City on what would be a 700 mile journey.

Such travel required meticulous planning. Most likely, they were followed by a horse and wagon with clothing and supplies.

Postcard courtesy the Vermont Historical Society.

July Archives | July 14