Dr. H. Nelson Jackson - Burlington
Posted by: 
Vermontish
N 44° 28.554 W 073° 12.320
18T E 642731 N 4926298
First person to cross the US by automobile
Waymark Code: WM4ZMT
Location: Vermont, United States
Date Posted: 10/18/2008
Views: 18
Inspired by a bet Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson, son-in-law of General William Wells and a University of Vermont medical alumnus, Sewall K. Crocker, and "Bud" the dog set out in May of 1903 from San Francisco for New York City. In a Winton car, christened "The Vermont," the trio completed their journey in two months and nine days. They are credited with making the first cross-country trip in a motor car. Jackson became a successful businessman upon returning to Burlington: bank president, newspaper publisher, and owner of the first radio station in town. Despite his age he joined the army in WWI, earning the Distinguished Service Cross, and was one of the founders of the American Legion. He died at 82.
The $50 bet (over $1,100 in 2009 dollars) was never collected. Approximately $8,000 was spent on the trip: the car, Crocker's salary, supplies, parts, and $15 to buy Bud. Based on the Consumer Price Index, almost $202,000 in 2009 dollars. The used Winton (a new vehicle had to be ordered from the factory) cost $3,000, about $500 above actual value; that's comparable to a $75,000 vehicle today. Jackson said it was worth every penny.
The story of the trip is told in the Ken Burns film "Horatio's Drive."
Epilogue: Dr. Jackson was once ticketed for exceeding the 6 mph speed limit in Burlington. The Winton belongs to the Smithsonian. Jackson is ">buried in Burlington's Lakeview Cemetery.
This is a double marker. See other side.
*Contrary to the marker text, "Bud" did not set out with Jackson and Crocker. He was purchased somewhere near Caldwell, Idaho.