St. Johnsbury residents witnessed an unusual group of tourists on this day in 1859. Travelers on horseback in large groups were not a common site. Most traveled by train, or if by road, by coach.

When a group of thirteen ladies and gentlemen on horseback trotted down the street in St. Johnsbury, people stopped and took notice. Apparently, the group was enroute to a summer resort in the White Mountains. They had come from New York City on what would be a 700 mile journey.

Such travel required meticulous planning. Most likely, they were followed by a horse and wagon with clothing and supplies.