First seen as a “cultural finishing school” for privileged young British gentlemen, The Grand Tour of the 19th century included several months of European travel between the end of formal schooling and adulthood. Exposure to the art, culture, and beginnings of western civilization (primarily found in France and Italy) were considered a necessity for these men. Following the American Civil War, wealthy families took advantage of the burgeoning tourist trade in Europe and joined the tour. Travelers returned home with dozens of vivid photographs, postcards and stereograph slides taken by professionals and sold in big cities and famous sites along the tourist routes.
Among the American tourists traveling to Europe in 1867 was St. Louis fur trader and entrepreneur Robert Campbell. That year he gathered his wife and three sons and traveled by boat, train, and horse and carriage on a 10-month tour of Europe and North Africa.
Here’s a sneak peek at SLPL’s special collection of historic postcards that recreate some of the sights on Europe’s 19th century Grand Tour.