The Race

1908
American Flag

In 1908, the United States had 46 states. It's interesting to note that there was no official design for the 46-star flag used from 1908 to 1912.

THE GREAT RACE

EPIC ENDURANCE RACE OF THE CENTURY!

At the opening of the twentieth century, the fledgling automobile industry was developing. Auto companies were popping up as the “rich man’s toy” grew in popularity. With this interest came the competition to see which automobile was better, faster, and more powerful. Automobile racing became popular. In 1907, a race across Asia, Peking to Paris, hade been completed. So the idea of a round the world race generated a great deal of enthusiasm.

In 1908 the New York to Paris Automobile Race took place. Sponsored by the New York Times and the French newspaper La Matin, the race began on February 12, 1908. Six contestants accepted the challenge to travel the 22,000 miles from New York City to Paris, France. This international event included six cars from four countries; three French, one Italian, one German, and one American. At 8:00 p.m. July 30, the American car arrived in Paris to win the race in 169 days! The E.R. Thomas Car Company built this car in Buffalo, NY. Its driver, George Schuster, was the only member of the crew to remain with the car for the entire length of the race.