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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