George W. Nellis Jr. with a High-Wheel Bicycle, 1887

01

Artifact Overview

George W. Nellis, Jr., had read about the pioneering cyclists who had pedaled across the continent in the mid-1880s. In 1887 he set off on his own adventure. Leaving his hometown of Herkimer, New York, Nellis traveled over 3000 miles in 72 days before reaching his destination, San Francisco, California. This photograph shows Nellis at the end of his journey.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Cabinet photograph

Subject Date

1887

Location

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

86.18.30.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Cardboard
Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Gelatin silver process

Color

Black-and-white (Colors)

Dimensions

Height: 6.438 in
Width: 4.188 in

Inscriptions

Photographer's imprint on front: B. Sewell. Photo, 1025 Marhet St. / San Francisco, Cal Handwritten on back: Geo W Nellis Jr. / Herkimer / N.Y. / Across the continent / 54 2/5 riding days 71 day / in all 3369 miles
George W. Nellis Jr. with a High-Wheel Bicycle, 1887