American Journey: On the Road with Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and John Burroughs

by Wes Davis

The epic road trips—and surprising friendship—of John Burroughs, nineteenth-century naturalist, and Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, inventors of the modern age.


In 1913, an unlikely friendship blossomed between Henry Ford and famed naturalist John Burroughs. When their mutual interest in Ralph Waldo Emerson led them to set out in one of Ford’s Model Ts to explore the Transcendentalist’s New England, the trip would prove to be the first of many excursions that would take Ford and Burroughs, together with an enthusiastic Thomas Edison, across America.


Their road trips—increasingly ambitious in scope—transported members of the group to the 1915 Panama–Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco, the Adirondacks of New York, and the Green Mountains of Vermont, finally paving the way for a grand 1918 expedition through southern Appalachia. In many ways, their timing could not have been worse. With war raging in Europe and an influenza pandemic that had already claimed thousands of lives abroad beginning to plague the United States, it was an inopportune moment for travel. Nevertheless, each of the men who embarked on the 1918 journey would subsequently point to it as the most memorable vacation of their lives.


These travels profoundly influenced the way Ford, Edison, and Burroughs viewed the world, nudging their work in new directions through a transformative decade in American history. In American Journey, Wes Davis re-creates these landmark adventures, through which one of the great naturalists of the nineteenth century helped the men who invented the modern age reconnect with the natural world—and reimagine the world they were creating.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Travel, Biography, American History

375 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2023

Reviews

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️in research 4⭐️in interesting 3⭐️in writing style. Ending 3.75⭐️ if you like learning about the people who have impacted our world on a more personal note and not on their accomplishments. This is a good choice.

[Tokoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

. Recommended for those who like obscure narrative stories, and all the context of friendship intermingling with professional life. For nature lovers and explorers. A sweet large slice of all their lives, learning a bunch, meeting a large cast of characters, regular to the trio's companionship: botanist and horticulturalist in California, the tire magnate, Firestone, and a naval secretary---all adventuring together in friendship and intimacy. Wholesome narration, and I think maybe better read by audiobook. At least this is the kind of nonfiction I have liked to listen to in the past---narrative, but also more obscure, specialized research, and fascinating; not too much needed to not down or remember. It was incredible learning about the intimate lives of all of them, glad I got a glimpse into their lives this way! I do also believe i found a collection of the naturalist in question's work from a local library on sale, so it was great gaining context which I can hopefully use later on when reading. Such a quality pick for a library loan, imo. It suits the library options and resources well.

Listened to on audio via the public library's Hoopla app. The sound is not loud for the app, needing to turn it all the way up, and played in conjunction with other apps needed sound access, it can often repeat itself in glitching. Needed to pay attention to where I stopped my listening session, as when I resume, the progress could be a little off.

More to come, possibly.

[spencer wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating look at road travel in the early 20th century, and some of the famous pioneers of the auto industry. Part promotional, part guidebook, part tale of adventure, this book is worth a read for those wanting a look at the development of America.

[Brad Angle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not too exciting, but it was fun to learn more about these famous guys and see their casual side. A nice peek into life in the 1910s. But there really should have been a map included.

[Al · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wes Davis’ “American Journey” provides a welcome, more intimate perspective on Henry Ford and Thomas Edison than many past biographies. The book’s title is a bit of a misnomer for it covers more than one road trip by Ford, Edison, naturalist John Burroughs and (sometimes) Harvey Firestone into the nation’s scenic heartland in the 1910’s. Davis’ well researched book shows how the agrarian upbringings of Ford and Edison led them to form an unlikely friendship with Burroughs. Burroughs, the eldest of the men, is gifted a Model T by Ford and finds to his surprise that traveling by auto gives him access to much more of the natural world than by foot. It is impossible to imagine today’s industrialists or inventors comfortable with time away from the factory or the lab, but Ford and Edison found these road trips rejuvenating. Davis focuses on four of the road trips—the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco, the Adriondacks, the Green Mountains and the Great Smokey Mountains. Each one is given daily coverage complete with episodes of the vehicles inevitably running into mechanical problems (quickly fixed by Ford) and often funny adventures with meeting rural folks. These trips took place concurrently with World War One, and the men eagerly awaited any news of the conflict, especially with America’s entrance into the war. Ford’s failure at brokering a peace conference and his eventual support of his company providing the Navy with antisubmarine patrol boats are detailed, though his pacifist past proved political fodder to opponents when he (reluctantly) ran for Senate. Davis’ epilogue summarizes not only the later road trips of the trio but how Ford’s increasingly vocal antisemitism caused discomfort, though not a rift, in their friendships. “American Journey” can be enjoyed for not only the warmth of the unlikely friendships of these American icons but also for its glimpse into an America where there was no reliable national highway system for auto travelers. Recommended.

[Mitch Ping · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is as described, it’s the adventures of Edison, Burroughs and Ford.

Interesting to know that Ford seemed to have a keen business & mechanical mind, but not one for true leadership.

Stuff in the book about the war and Edison’s inventions helping the Navy.

There was a bit in the book about Hershey chocolate which was interesting. Ford got some of his production line ideas from him.

"There was no sadness in John Burroughs's death," Ford main-tained. He had lived a life true to his values and had wrung from it every measure or worth, working up to the very end. "When the grain lies brown and ripe under the harvest sun, and the harvesters are busy binding it into sheaves, there is no sadness for the grain."

She knew her husband had extraordinary abilities, but she also knew that "Henry was a man of sudden impulse; he resented advice, was intolerant of restraint, and fired anyone who opposed him." Ford was gifted in mechanical matters, but the libel trial in Chicago had shown that his education in other areas was woefully inadequate. As Edison had pointed out years earlier, he was also no orator.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine……a friendship between Henry Ford, John Burroughs, and Thomas Edison. Perhaps, three unlikely characters as these meeting, each one with occupations as different from one another as species of birds, was a bit of destiny. Speaking of birds, did you know that Ford was an avid birder?

Ford and Burroughs---more than 25 years in age separated the two men---one lived in the Catskills, the other in the center of America’s growing industry. Burroughs, nature writer and expert on birds, was 81 when he took a camping trip by car with Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone in 1918.

Despite Ford’s social foibles, as well as those of each member of the traveling party, which is commented on disagreeably by Burroughs, they remained open to each other and friends still. The influence each one had on the other cannot be denied. This is a wonderfully written book, providing us with an early 20th century sense of history into the lives of several well-known people and their little-known, personal lives and relationships. A fascinating account of an “American Journey.”

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, John Burroughs and Harvey Firestone liked to camp out (we might call it glamp). In the late 1910s they travelled parts of the country in Model Ts and other cars, followed by a supply truck, and camped along the way. Sometimes people knew who these guys were, sometimes not. Edison wanted to camp no matter the conditions. Ford loved to tinker and repaired cars along the way. Burroughs reveled in the nature (being a naturalist, after all) while struggling to embrace the modernity his traveling mates were foisting on the world. Firestone tagged along, helping out (and staying in hotels) where he could. All struggled with Ford’s growing anti-Semitism. Ford, Firestone and Edison were millionaires who could buy anything but returning to nature was priceless to them. In the photos included in the book, it is funny to see them wearing suits and ties as they camped out.

Davis writes a detailed travelogue. Almost seems he was part of the group. Some of the adventures get a bit repetitive but glimpses into the personalities of these guys are special.

[Joe McMahon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know what I was getting into. This is a fascinating, low-key account of the friendship of John Burroughs (1837-1921), Thomas Edison (1847-1931), Henry Ford (1863-1947), and Harvey Firestone (1868-1938). Most of the book relates their travels by groups of automobiles over primitive, muddy roads, spending most nights in tents hauled by a supply truck. About half the book describes a 1918 exploration of the Appalachian Mountains from Pennsylvania towards North Carolina. As the Great War was going on, I found interesting that local newspapers kept them currant. Apparently, the telegraph could supply news for the local press.
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On page 263 we meet the Dixie Highway. On the next page, we view a prison camp of German merchant marine sailors caught when the war began.
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On page 284, we learn of water power used at the huge Green Island Ford radiator plant near Troy, New York. Our college chem teacher arranged for a guided tour of that plant in 1956.

[Paul Leeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and it was an easy, quick read.

I think the author did excellent research of each person’s perspective or remembrance of the trip, the places and the events. And then he told the story in a seamless narrative as if he were there to observe it. I can’t imagine that was easy to do but it was very well done.

On top of that is the history of the time and the insight to how these individuals acted when they were away from work and just kicking back with their friends. It was interesting that they made time to do this even during their busy work they had leading up to US involvement in the war.

[Dee Paske · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many things I could say about this story. The mechanic, the inventor and the artist spent time together, did not necessarily agree with each other, but respected each other and could work together. What an interesting idea!!
They integrated new conveniences into their lives, but as they aged, they seemed to learn that to experience nature, it is necessary to step away from the conveniences.
Their thoughts on cigarettes(little white slavers), education, diversity and respect and care for our earth were so ahead of their time...or we are just slow learners!!
Well worth reading and thinking as you read.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three, sometimes four, old rich guys enjoying each other's company on a camping tour through Appalachia. (Today it would be called glamping, since they had a support team and two trucks for supplies.) They met many friendly generous ordinary folks along the way, explored nature and industry and teased each other relentlessly. Burroughs saId it best: "Your best friend is the person who brings out the best in you."

[Herb Schneider · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing

After reading Uncommon Friends by James Newton, I was looking forward to learning more about the relationships between Ford, Edison and Firestone, which were also developed in other books such as Ford and Edison in Electric City by Thomas Hager. In contrast with these books , American Journey had little substance. I was hoping that after the first fifty pages the pace and content would pick up, but I was disappointed.

[Jason Hood · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the Ford Museum, I learned about these road trips and it was fascinating to take a deeper dive. Learning that these contemporaries were also friends and campers was a nice slice of history. The stories shows a different side of each man, some incredible forward thinking as well as some damaging antisemitism.

[Jamieojones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eventually I thought, where is this book going? Well, it goes camping. I would love to follow a trip plan though. Their week may only take a day now, but I wondered how much of the old wilderness still exists.

[Phyllis Kidd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well researched, but more than I cared to know. Acknowledged by downplayed the Ford's raging antisemitism. I was interested in just how creative and hands-on both Ford and Edison were when problems arose.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story about a naturalist going on a road trip with Henry Ford and Thomas Edison and their family experiences along the way. Lots of research obviously went into this book and there are pictures of the journey. The writing style was just ok.

[Lou Chodosh · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why would I want to read about ford and Edison; two anti semitic assholes.?

[NonFiction 24/7 · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF this isn't a book about a roadtrip, it's a book about the friendship of these 3 with to many off topic events of the time. Disappointing, I wanted to like this book.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, this was a great read filled with facts and stories and friendships. Will look for this on audio book also because I have a feeling it will be a good listen also

[Brian Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

[Alan James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy reading. Great details of their two major trips.

[Russ White]

I

[Miriam Schoenig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting recollections of the friendship between Ford, Edison and Burroughs, but the book definitely is not a thriller. It took a bit of slogging through for me.

[Mike Macchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting on several levels. I loved this book

[F.J. Dolan]

Ultimately a pleasant enough read, Jeff Guinn’s Vagabond’s is better, I take exception to the last chapter, it’s half the book. It could’ve been divided into a few more chapters at most.

[History Today]

In 1918 the American industrialist Henry Ford undertook an auto-camping road trip in the Great Smoky Mountains at the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. The grand culmination of various shorter trips exploring rural America, his companions – as on the previous sojourns – were unlikely. Joining Ford was John Burroughs, an American naturalist who damned the automobile as the ‘scourge of nature’ and enjoyed an existence that was, in his words, ‘all vacation’. Having met in 1913, the pair’s obvious differences were meliorated by a shared admiration for the writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson, their friendship secured when Ford gave Burroughs a Model T so that he could ramble the countryside with newfound efficiency. Burroughs’ deep connection with nature, meanwhile, helped Ford better understand the agrarian past which he saw disappearing in the rearview mirror.

Ford’s friendship with Thomas Edison – the third passenger – had peaked at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915. As the pair toured various stalls which promised a brave, industrialised future, they were drawn to a display which argued that these same forward-thinking goals might be achieved through the careful management of America’s vast natural resources. By the time the two celebrities pushed their way out of this garden exhibit, Ford’s ‘agrarian nostalgia’ and Edison’s deep curiosity for botanical science had reached boiling point. Both felt that they needed to return to ‘nature’s laboratory’, and fast, if they – and America – were to reach their – and its – true potential. Various road trips in pursuit of this quest followed.

In American Journey: On the Road with Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and John Burroughs Wes Davis follows Ford, Edison and Burroughs as they plan their short escapes to the country, debate – and compromise – on their diverging opinions on the First World War, and navigate the ups-and-downs of business life. A fourth character, the tyre magnate Harvey Firestone, also appears halfway through the book, joining the trio (who had taken to calling themselves ‘the Vagabonds’) for their grand 1918 expedition, which Davis only arrives at in his penultimate chapter.

Sadly, the book falls short in its analysis of the trips’ true significance. As Davis sees it, the trio understood their trips as an opportunity to uncover ‘their own deep, rural roots and reattach themselves to the nation’s rooted, agrarian past’. To this end, they would ‘rough it’ in tents along the sides of mountains and streams, fend for themselves on the bucolic backroads of rural America and wake every morning to birdsong, all in an attempt to better understand how industrial progress and agrarian origins might coexist in efficient harmony.

Ford and Edison eagerly donned the costume of celebrity itinerants. They regularly stopped at farms, not only to camp for the night, but also to ‘play farmer’, scything grass and chopping wood. So, too, did they enjoy conversing with their gentleman-naturalist, Burroughs, on the warble of a bird, taxonomy of a plant or a line from Emerson. They revelled in the constant gaggle of fans and pressmen who sought a quippy line or a quick photo. They drove brand-new Ford automobiles loaded with every piece of gear possible, were occasionally joined by a ride-along celebrity chef, and followed by a ‘small city’ of well-outfitted luxury tents. The tour more closely resembled a glamping trip than a backwoods bivouacking slog.

Read the rest of the review at HistoryToday.com.

Vaughn Scribner is Associate Professor in History at the University of Central Arkansas. Under Alien Skies: Environment, Suffering, and the Defeat of the British Military in Revolutionary America is forthcoming.