The $50 Bet and the Goggled Bulldog

The $50 Bet and the Goggled Bulldog

On August 1, 1903, the first-ever transcontinental car trip across the United States came to a triumphant, dusty conclusion in New York City. The entire expedition was the result of a $50 bet made by Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson at a San Francisco club, where he wagered he could drive a car across the country in under 90 days.

The Crew: Jackson was joined by his mechanic, Sewall K. Crocker, and a spunky pit bull named Bud.

The Goggles: Because the 1903 Winton touring car lacked a roof and a windshield, the dust from the unpaved horse trails was brutal. To protect his furry companion, Jackson fitted Bud with his very own pair of custom driving goggles. Bud quickly became the face of the journey, famously peering out from the passenger seat with his stylish eyewear.

The Irony: To win that $50 bet, Jackson ended up spending roughly $8,000 on parts, fuel, and the car itself. He never even bothered to collect his winnings! He simply wanted to prove that the 'horseless carriage' was the future of travel. Bud, meanwhile, retired as a national celebrity, likely the first dog in history to understand the importance of a good accessory.