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Travel in America during the 1850's was still a difficult process. Streets were not paved, and were often extremely muddy. Trains and trolleys were a common form of travel from city to city or from one area of town to another. Hotels were common in cities and the scale of luxury depended upon the hotel itself. Restaurants or saloons were also abundant. Oyster saloons in particular were extremely popular. Below are pictures of hotels, restaurant advertisements, and luggage ads.
| HOTELS | RESTAURANTS | LUGGAGE |
The American Temperance House Hotel was a famous
hotel due to its occupants. President Martin Van Buren stayed
one night in 1845 and another in 1848. General Sam Houston of
Texas and John G. Whittier were also guests. The hotel is most
known for being the site of the Butman Riot on October 30, 1854.
Due to this riot, no other attempt was made to issue the Fugitive
Slave Law in Worcester.
AMERICAN TEMPERANCE HOUSE HOTEL
on Main St. and Foster St. corner Worcester, MA.
1850s
COURTESY OF WORCESTER HISTORICAL MUSEUM
 SALOON AD, 1856. |
 OYSTER SALOON AD, 1854. |
 TEMPERANCE RESTAURANT AD,1853. |
 OYSTER HOUSE AD, 1853. |
LUGGAGE AD, 1856. LUGGAGE AD, 1853.
CITY OF WORCESTER. CITY DIRECTORY, 1853.
CITY OF WORCESTER. CITY DIRECTORY, 1854.
CITY OF WORCESTER. CITY DIRECTORY, 1856.
