Today in History is a daily newsletter from Britannica. (more) Today in History—May 23: The First Great American Road Trip Written by Charles Preston Charles Preston is Associate Editor for Religion at Encyclopædia Britannica. Charles Preston Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated May 18, 2026 •History On this day in 1903, Horatio Nelson Jackson and Sewall Crocker embarked on the first transcontinental automobile trip. They made it—despite few paved roads, questionable maps, no gas stations, no rest stops, no fast food, and no playlists. Today in History is a daily newsletter from Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Want to learn more about what happened on May 23, or any other day of the year? Sign up to receive the newsletter in your...

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