Copperplate Engraving Showing an American Omnibus of 1835-1855

01

Artifact Overview

The first horse-drawn omnibuses on American streets appeared in the late 1820s. These large, enclosed vehicles provided regular, fare-based transportation on fixed routes through cities. The modern motor bus serves the same purpose in American cities today. "Omnibus" is a Latin word meaning "for all."

Artifact Details

Artifact

Copper engraving (Visual work)

Subject Date

1835-1855

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

82.129.805

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Copper engraving (Printing process)

Color

Black-and-white (Colors)

Dimensions

Height: 6.688 in
Width: 8.875 in

Inscriptions

Description beneath: The American omnibus was a modification of the previous stage coach, and was the first vehicle used in connection with the periodic transportation of city populations. Adopted by many large towns during this/ period between 1835 and 1855. New York's so-called "Broadway stages" were probably the first omnibuses./ The street-car, which appeared in the sixth decade, was a modified omnibus adapted to the railed-track/ principle. Omnibuses were used in some cities, for suburban traffic, until after 1870.