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Rediscovering America: The True Story of the 1909 Walk from New York to San Francisco and Why It Matters

Bob Cooper

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Published in The Last Great Walk: The True Story Of A 1909 Walk From New York To San Francisco And Why It Matters Today

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In 1909, America was a nation on the cusp of change. The country was rapidly industrializing, and the old ways of life were fading away. In this time of transition, three young men set out on a journey that would forever change their lives and the course of American history.

The Last Great Walk: The True Story of a 1909 Walk from New York to San Francisco, and Why it Matters Today

by Wayne Curtis

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1868 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	258 pages

Edward Payson Weston, a world-renowned pedestrian, had walked across the country twice before. But his third walk, from New York to San Francisco, would be his most ambitious yet. He was joined by two companions, Charles C. Hughes and William C. Dunton, both of whom were eager to experience the adventure of a lifetime.

The trio set out from New York City on March 15, 1909. They walked through rain, snow, and mud, averaging over 25 miles per day. They slept in barns, hotels, and even under the stars. Along the way, they met a cast of characters that included farmers, cowboys, and Native Americans.

The walk was not without its challenges. Weston suffered from blisters, exhaustion, and dysentery. Hughes and Dunton also faced their own physical and mental challenges. But they persevered, driven by a sense of adventure and a belief in the American spirit.

After 102 days of walking, the trio finally reached San Francisco on June 25, 1909. They were greeted by a cheering crowd of thousands. Weston had set a new record for the fastest walk across the country, and he and his companions had become national celebrities.

The 1909 walk was a watershed moment in American history. It was a time when the country was looking for new heroes, and Weston, Hughes, and Dunton fit the bill perfectly. Their journey was a reminder of the indomitable spirit of the American people, and it inspired a generation of Americans to dream big.

In his book, David L. Ulin tells the full story of this epic journey, revealing the challenges and triumphs that shaped the men who made it and the nation they helped to define. Rediscovering America is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, adventure, or the human spirit.

Praise for Rediscovering America

"A fascinating and inspiring account of an extraordinary journey. Ulin's writing is both vivid and engaging, and he brings the story of the 1909 walk to life in a way that is both informative and entertaining." —Ken Burns, filmmaker

"A must-read for anyone interested in American history, adventure, or the human spirit. Ulin's book is a reminder of the indomitable spirit of the American people, and it will inspire readers to dream big." —Doris Kearns Goodwin, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian

"A beautifully written and deeply moving account of a journey that changed America. Ulin's book is a masterpiece of storytelling, and it will stay with me long after I finish reading it." —Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer

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The Last Great Walk: The True Story of a 1909 Walk from New York to San Francisco, and Why it Matters Today

by Wayne Curtis

4.1 out of 5