Poor Molly Weaver and her mom! In The Sister’s Search, the pair travel hundreds of bone-shaking miles from Ohio to central Texas, first by comparatively comfortable railroad, then by local stagecoach lines, then wagon, and finally on horseback.
The story is set in 1865, just after the end of the Civil War. Everywhere, travel was chaotic and downright dangerous. Travelers couldn’t depend on finding transportation on a long trip, or hope for consistent timetables and guarantees for their own safe delivery—let alone that of their luggage.
We have it so good! Even if your flight is canceled or you have a flat tire, you’re in a far better situation than that of women traveling long distances 150 years ago. We have cell phones for instant communication. We have insurance and credit cards and so many more resources than Molly and Emma had.
I have great admiration for Carrie Adell Strahorn, author of Fifteen Thousand Miles by Stage. She was a woman who covered those miles with her husband. True, she wasn’t traveling alone, which would have been much more difficult, but still. Fifteen thousand miles?
Her husband, Robert E. Strahan, had written a book, published in 1877, about the scenic attractions, resources, and climate of Wyoming territory. Jay Gould of the Union Pacific Company read it and loved it. He offered Mr. Strahorn a job traveling throughout the western states and territories and writing a book about each. Strahorn would also set up a literary bureau and advertising department for the Union Pacific. What a way to advertise the West!
Carrie and Robert had been married only a week when this once-in-a-lifetime offer came. They discussed it, and Robert agreed to do it—if his bride could accompany him.
According to Mrs. Strahorn’s preface in her book (published after more than three decades of travel with her husband), “That stipulation the railroad officials emphatically refused. They said no woman could endure the hardships and conditions of travel then required on routes far away from the railroad, and added that he would be constantly hampered and delayed in his work.”
Robert Strahorn dug in his heels. Without Carrie by his side, he wouldn’t do it. Apparently the Union Pacific officials were just as stubborn. Mrs. Strahorn says, “They argued and reasoned, then demurred, relented, and finally consented.”
The Strahorns traveled almost constantly for thirty-four years, across every stagecoach road in the West. They visited every state and territory between the Mississippi and the Pacific, and from Canada to Mexico. Mrs. Strahan’s book, first published in 1911, gives much insight into the wonders they saw and experiences most women of the day would never meet.
In one chapter she describes a night at a halfway station in Idaho that had no accommodations for passengers. When Mr. Strahorn, whom his wife called “Pard,” asked where they were to sleep, he was told there wasn’t a bed within twenty miles. The passengers would be camping out in the one-room building that served as a station, post office, and the agent’s home. Since the temperature sank to below freezing in the night, that seemed a better option than sleeping in the stagecoach.
There were twenty-six men present, and Carrie was the only woman. She suffered through a night of snoring and a frigid draft coming through the gap beneath the door.
She says, “Day had not yet come when someone began quietly to renew the fire. Groping about the floor for some kindling, the fire builder got hold of my foot, and it scared him nearly out of his senses, for those were days when men died for less cause than that.”
His apologies were profuse. The Strahorns later traveled that way several times, and the man always referred to this incident at his “narrow escape.”
Yes, there were hardships, boredom, and frustration, but she saw so much, and she was able to help other women along the way.
These were Victorian Times. While social customs were more relaxed in the American West than in Victoria’s England, rules of etiquette still prevailed. If at all possible, women were to travel with a male escort. They were expected to dress plainly to avoid unwanted attention. Women were warned to let their male escort carry their money or valuables during travel. If traveling alone out of necessity, they should have a strong pocket stitched into a petticoat and carry only a small amount in their dress or coat pockets.
Women were warned against conversing too much with fellow travelers. If a woman had to travel alone, she was advised to sit next to another woman whenever she could and to keep her conversation pleasant, polite, and to a minimum. Oh, yes, times have changed!
QUESTION for readers:
What advice would you give to a woman setting out alone on a long journey today? Be sure to comment! I will be giving away a copy of Book 1 in this series, The Rancher’s Legacy, now a finalist in the 2022 Will Rogers Medallion competition.
In The Rancher’s Legacy (Book 1, the giveaway prize), Rachel Maxwell returns to Colorado from the East to find her father dead and his ranch under attack. She rejects the suitor her father chose for her, neighbor Matt Anderson. Meanwhile, Ryland Atkins is searching for Matt to tell him his grandmother in Maine wants to see him before she dies.
Book 3 in the Homeward Trails series, The Sister’s Search, releases July 19. It’s now on pre-order here: https://scrivenings.link/thesisterssearch
Blurb for The Sister’s Search:
Molly Weaver and her widowed mother embark on an arduous journey at the end of the Civil War. They hope to join Molly’s brother Andrew on his ranch in Texas. When they arrive, Andrew is missing and squatters threaten the ranch. Can they trust Joe, the stranger who claims to be Andrew’s friend?
Joe’s offer to help may be a godsend—or a snare. And who is the man claiming to be Molly’s father? If he’s telling the truth, Molly’s past is a sham, and she must learn where she really belongs.
About the author:
Susan Page Davis is the author of more than one hundred published novels and novellas in the historical romance, mystery, and romantic suspense genres. She’s a winner of the Carol Award and a two-time winner of the Will Rogers Medallion and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award. A Maine native, she now lives in Kentucky.
Find Susan at:
Website: https://susanpagedavis.com
Twitter: @SusanPageDavis
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanpagedavisauthor
Sign up for Susan’s occasional newsletter at https://madmimi.com/signups/118177/join
I have been to all 50 states and forty-some other countries, and most of my international travel was done alone. I quickly learned to pack light, so I didn’t have trouble lifting my luggage around, especially on and off buses and trains. I color-coordinated, so I could mix and match everything to make different outfits. And I took travel sizes of toiletries when I wasn’t going to be gone too long. But what experiences and adventures!
That’s quite a record, Janice! I’m curious as to whether you were traveling for work or enjoyment. I’ve only been to three foreign countries, and I’ve missed a few states. I’m sure you have a lot of stories to tell.
I did a little traveling on scholarships for teachers, but most of it was personal travel.
Always be aware of your surroundings. You will see many amazing sights but you may also see an escape route should you need one.
Good advice, Rhonda! Some things never change.
I would tell her to see the humor in some situations.
That can be extremely helpful in many situations! Thanks, Debra.
I would tell them to be very careful because today is not the world that it use to be.
Very true, Quilt Lady. We still have to be careful, don’t we?
pay attention
Brief but wise. Thanks for taking part!
I think some of the old rules would be good for today also. Don’t draw attention to yourself by dressing outlandishly, be aware of people around you, keep cell phone handy, keep valuables on your person to a minimum.
Those sound like good points to me, Connie Lee!
Since it is very dangerous to even take a walk in your own city or neighborhood nowadays traveling would lead to all sorts of evil people and nefarious situations. Personally I would not travel alone today. If one had to it is necessary to be safe, carry your pistol if it is registered concealed (and is allowed in the states/country you would travel) and be vigilant everywhere you go. Today’s world requires lots of savvy for the lone traveler.
Good advice for Molly and for a lot of more modern women. Thanks, Judy!
Be vigilant, keep your valuables on your body, and enjoy.
Good advice, Denise!
great post today. very interesting. Hmmmm today traveling alone as a woman? well, keep a cell handy and keep it charged, letting someone constantly know where you are. staying alert to surroundings and people in the area. if it is just a short trip, leave most valuables at home, if longer I can sew them into garments. have a concealed carry license and a small gun that is hidden but easily accessible, knowing which states are off limits for concealed carry and which ones are ok. constantly pray about things each day all of this only if I had to travel alone
Yes, the prayer is something we mustn’t forget. Thanks, Lori!
Talk to people! Make friends everywhere!
I’ve done a lot of travel by myself in Japan, Belgium, France, and the US, and the only thing I’ve ever regretted is not talking to more of the people around me. Everyone has such interesting lives! And most are just waiting for you to open the conversation. Then they’ll talk for hours!
I think you’ve got something there, Abby!
We are waiting for our middle daughter to return home from a three week trade mission to Southeast Asia, three different meetings in three locations. Although she will be with co-workers part of the time she will also be on her own some days. Reading this interesting blog I’ve been thinking about advice she would give women traveling alone. First I think she would say go even if you have to go alone. Meet people and learn about their culture. Be aware of your surroundings and keep vigilant. Our 21year old granddaughter recently traveled to LA from Seattle by plane and returned on the train. She had a wonderful time and has talked mostly about the people she met in the train’s observation car, people from Netherlands and South Africa. We all worried about her but she would have missed so many wonderful experiences if she hadn’t gone.
Very interesting, Alice! I’m glad your granddaughter had a great trip, and I trust your daughter will have some amazing experiences too.
My advice would be to be vigilant and trust your gut instinct when it comes to people or situations. This post was fascinating, thanks for sharing.
You’re so welcome, Megan!
My advice I would give to a woman traveling by herself would be to Always be aware of her surroundings and to not trust anyone who seems to want to know where she is going and if she will be living by herself , anyone who is a little too nosey, I would tell her to pack some maze with her and to never be left alone with one person being a man or a woman. And to never take a drink that has already been open by anyone.
Words for the wise, Alicia. Thank you.
I would not travel alone because it is dangerous as well as lonely but if I had to, I would take extra precautions. I would make sure I have mace to spray in an attacker’s face. I would also make sure I take a course on ways to protect myself before I go as a refresher.
Over the years, women have learned many things about protecting themselves, and we have many resources now.
I have never traveled alone (and I hope I never have to!) but I would say that a woman, especially with the way the world is today, should always be aware of her surroundings, carry some sort of weapon that she’s comfortable and confident using, never talk to strangers unless it’s vital because you just never know about people, and always make sure she’s somewhere safe when night falls.
Good thoughts. Thank you, Millie
Like you said, with cell phones, credit cards and insurance travel is not quite so daunting today. I guess if someone was heading out on a long road trip alone, I would say to make sure your car has had a good tune up, and at least know how to check your own oil and basic things like that!
Very practical advise, Patty!
Sorry, I meant “advice,” not “advise.”
I like the sound of your books. As for advice to a woman traveling alone, my experience is about 50 years old, but much still applies. I had planned on a three month trip through Southeast Asia, Asia, the Middle East, and Greece. First plan ahead. Know what is available for transportation and the best options. Research where you are going. What are you planning on seeing (while keeping yourself open to new things you may discover while traveling)? What are the options for overnight accommodations? What is your price range and what are you comfortable with? Research the culture and restrictions for unaccompanied women in those countries. It is easy to do something that could put you in a precarious position. Make sure to keep all your documents safe and available for when needed. Carry enough money in small denominations for everyday use. Use a credit card that has a preloaded amount that can be reloaded. This way if it is lost you don’t lose all your money (something that wasn’t available when I was traveling). You can also arrange to have funds wired to you at an American Express office (I think that is still an option) and/or use travelers’ checks. No cell phones back in my day, but they can be a lifeline for you. Keep in touch with friends and family. Make sure at least 2 people have a copy of your itinerary in case there is an emergency either on the road or at home.
I am sorry I missed the giveaway, but am glad I came back to read the article. I would have loved to have been in Mrs. Strahorn’s position.
Oh, yes, planning can make such a big difference. Thanks, Patricia!