Ep 9. Horatio's Drive; America's First Road Trip

In the ninth episode of Ken Burns' American Lives, viewers are taken on a journey back to the turn of the 20th century with Horatio's Drive: America's First Road Trip. The episode follows the ambitious and often humorous cross-country journey of Horatio Nelson Jackson and his co-driver Sewall K. Crocker as they attempt to become the first people to drive an automobile from San Francisco to New York City in 1903.

Using a mixture of historical photographs and reenactments, the episode explores the challenges and obstacles that Jackson and Crocker face on their journey, including unpredictable weather conditions, poor road conditions, and the lack of infrastructure and support systems necessary for cross-country travel. Along the way, they also encounter a cast of colorful characters, from local mechanics and mechanics to newspaper reporters and other would-be adventurers who are eager to chronicle their journey.

Despite the many setbacks they face, however, Jackson and Crocker never lose their sense of humor or their determination to complete their mission. As they travel deeper into America's heartland, they gain a deeper appreciation for the country's vast and varied landscape, as well as the resilience and ingenuity of its people.

Ultimately, Horatio's Drive: America's First Road Trip is a celebration of the pioneering spirit that has always been at the heart of American culture. It reminds us that even in the face of daunting challenges and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, we can achieve great things when we have the courage to dream big and the perseverance to see our goals through to the end.