History Daily History Daily

Alice Ramsey Completes Her Drive Across America

Aug 7, 2026 · 14m

Summary

This episode of History Daily chronicles Alice Ramsey’s 1909 journey as the first woman to drive across America. Host Lindsey Graham details how Ramsey, sponsored by the Maxwell Company, navigated treacherous roads and harsh weather with her crew. Despite mechanical challenges and societal skepticism, she completed the 3,800-mile trip in 59 days, arriving in San Francisco ahead of previous male records.

Topics discussed

Sponsor message: Capital One Venture X card Alice Ramsey's struggle in the Rocky Mountains Promotion for Days That Made America live tour Sponsor message: Capital One Venture X card Alice receives her first car and learns to drive Maxwell Company's marketing strategy and Alice's success The proposal to drive across America The journey begins in New York City Challenges of early American road networks Obstacles: Weather, police, and the Rockies Arrival in San Francisco and record completion Alice's legacy and later life Preview: The sinking of the Vasa Credits and production team
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