Page 82 - Introduction to Tourism
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Early travel was on foot or on horseback, but
travel by small boat or canoe provided access to
the interior of the country. Generally, travel was
from east to west. As roads were built,
stagecoach travel became widespread, and “
ordinaries ” (small hotels) came into common
use. Among the most remarkable journeys were
those by covered wagon to the West across the
Great Plains. This movement followed the Civil
War (1861 – 1865). Construction of railroads
across the country (the first transcontinental link
was at Promontory, Utah, in 1869) popularized
rail travel. The Wells Fargo Company organized
the American Express Company in 1850. This
pioneer company issued the first traveler ’ s
checks in 1891 and began other travel services,
later becoming travel agents and arranging tours.
Today, American Express is known throughout
the world for its
Traveler ’ s Cheques, credit cards, and various
travel and financial services.
One of the most significant events in America ’ s
travel history is the amount of travel done by
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