Everything worthy of observation : the 1826 New York State travel journal of Alexander Stewart Scott / edited by Paul G. Schneider.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Schneider, Paul G.

Contributor:

Schneider, Paul G., editor.

Series:

Excelsior Editions

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

New York (State)--Description and travel.

New York (State).

Scott, Alexander Stewart, 1805-1846--Travel--New York (State)--Diaries.

Scott, Alexander Stewart.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (202 pages)

Place of Publication:

Albany : State University of New York, [2019]

Summary:

"In the pre-dawn of August 2, 1826, Alexander Stewart Scott stepped aboard the steamboat Chambly in Quebec City, Canada. He was beginning a journey that not only took him across New York State, but that ultimately changed his view of America and her people. A keen observer, the twenty-one-year-old meticulously recorded his travel experiences, observations about the people he encountered, impressions of things he saw, and reactions to events he witnessed. This first-hand account immerses the reader in the world of early-nineteenth-century life in both New York and Lower Canada. Whether enduring the choking dust raised by a stage coach, the frustration and delays caused by bad roads, or the wonders and occasional dangers of packet boat travel on the newly completed Erie Canal, all are vividly brought to life by Scott's pen. Uniquely, Scott's journal also offers an unusual blend of travel and domestic insights. With close family members living both in St. John's, Quebec, Canada, and Palmyra, New York, his travels were supplemented by long stays in these communities, offering readers comparative glimpses into the daily lives and activities in both countries. Gregarious, funny, and inquisitive, Alexander Stewart Scott missed nothing of what he thought worthy of observation"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Front Matter

Contents

Illustrations

Foreword

Acknowledgments

Editor’s Introduction

The 1826 New York State Travel Journal of Alexander Stewart Scott

Preface

The start of the journey from Quebec City, Canada to Schenectady, New York.

By canal packet boat and stagecoach to Geneva, New York.

Geneva to Palmyra and a stay with family.

Visit to Niagara Falls.

Incidents on the Erie Canal and a return to Palmyra.

Heading east once more, Palmyra to Albany, New York.

Touring Albany and Troy, New York.

Homeward bound, Troy to St. John’s, Quebec.

Visiting family and friends in St. John’s before heading home to Quebec City.

Afterword

Appendix One

Appendix Two

Notes

Index

Notes:

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9781438475172

1438475179