Has Anyone Ever Walked Across the United States?
While Hawaii is excluded, the lower 48 states have become the stage for countless journeys across the continent. From trudging across the western United States to the remote stretches of Western Canada and Alaska, walking across America is a testament to human resilience and endurance.
From Coast to Coast
Walking from east to west in the contiguous United States involves significant physical and logistical challenges. One must bypass Hawaii and navigate through Western Canada to reach Alaska, where weather can turn into an unpredictable and formidable adversary. Despite these obstacles, hundreds of individuals have successfully traversed the breadth of the lower 48 states.
A Look at America's Long Walkers
Since around 1845, numerous individuals have undertaken the trek across the country. Many of these walkers are content to keep their journeys private, but there is a dedicated community of long-distance walkers who chronicle their exploits. One notable example is Peter Jenkins, who wrote about his walk in the 1970s and penned two books on the subject. According to Wikipedia, there is an extensive list of people who have crossed the United States on foot. Some have documented their journeys, sharing their hardships and triumphs.
The Mormon Hand Cart Pioneers: A Guiding Light
Between 1850 and 1860, about 3000 Mormon pioneers walked approximately one-third of the way across the United States as part of the Mormon Hand Cart Brigades. These pioneers, often families with limited means, were tasked with pulling hand carts filled with their personal belongings from Omaha, Nebraska, to Salt Lake City, Utah. The journey covered about 1000 miles, with no paved roads and only rough wagon trails.
The Mormon handcart pioneers faced numerous challenges. Their narrow hand carts were often built from green wood, which made them rickety and prone to breaking. Moreover, they had to carry all the food and possessions they needed for the trip. This demanding journey stands as a significant marker in American history, highlighting the commitment and strength of early settlers.
Comparing Journeys Across Time
While the recent walkers have it relatively easy by comparison, those who crossed America by wagon train in the 19th century had far greater hardships. Wagons carried their belongings, but the majority of the journey was covered on foot. The wagons were equipped with oxen, and the routes were long and arduous, often requiring the crossing of numerous mountain ranges. The distance from Omaha, Nebraska, to San Francisco covered about 1700 miles, far surpassing the 1000-mile trek of the Mormon Hand Cart Brigades.
Despite the challenges, these early pioneers played a crucial role in the settlement and development of the western United States. Their journeys serve as a reminder of the determination and perseverance that characterized early American expansion.
Walking across the United States remains both a historical endeavor and a modern-day challenge, offering insights into the rich tapestry of American history and the human spirit.