The University of Texas at Arlington
Office of Public Affairs

Throughout American history, people have moved westward across the landscape. From early travelers plodding across the plains in wagons and stagecoaches, looking for opportunities in the vast, open country, to modern wanderers racing down paved interstate highways, seeking novelties and adventure, travelers migrated west. Although the methods and reasons for travel have changed over time, people have always required information about where they are going and how they are going to get there. In the horse-drawn era, companies lured settlers out west with tracts that promised riches. With the rise of the railroads, the ease of travel and fertile lands awaiting travelers at the end of the line was touted by companies. Later, oil companies, cities and towns, and automobile associations responded to America's car culture by producing a range of informational items for potential vacationers. Common to both eras are travelers recording their journeys with postcards, snapshots, and other mementos. Images and descriptions of the sites they saw along the way and often the places they stayed were sent back home to family and friends. The West has always been a beacon for travelers, whether viewed from the back of a horse or through the windows of an overcrowded family car. What travelers took to help them find their way can tell us a lot about why and how they headed west. After all, knowing where to go, how to get there, and, perhaps, what to see on the way is as important today as it was over 100 years ago. This exhibit will run until August 8, 2009, and is free and open to all. Special Collections is located on the sixth floor of the Central Library. Hours are 9am to 5pm Monday through Saturday. Closed on Sundays. For more information, visit http://library.uta.edu/spco/ or call 817-272-3393.