The adventures of the Abernathy boys
On April 5, 1919, with Bud and Temple astride their horses, Sam Bass and Geronimo, the boys traveled east. They were on the trail for two months, riding to meet their friend, former President Theodore Roosevelt, as he returned to New York City from an African safari. Along the way, the brothers fell in love with automobiles. They bought a Brush Runabout in New York, and Bud and Temple drove themselves home, making the trip in just twenty-three days.
When Temple was seven and Bud was eleven, they were challenged to ride from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific in sixty days. At stake was a $10,000 prize. The boys left from Coney Island on August 11, 1911, and-3,619 miles later-arrived at the Pacific just two days late. Although they didn't win the prize, they set a record for the fastest cross-country ride on horseback. This record has never been broken. The Abernathys made their last long-distance ride in June 1913, driving a custom designed, two-seat, twin-engine Indian motorcycle from the Cross Roads Ranch to New York City. This time they returned to Oklahoma by train.
Temple grew up to be an oilman, and Bud became
this page online
This plaque donated in memory of Larry Greer, artist by the sculptor.
Erected 2006 by Frederick Arts and Humanities Council.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #26 Theodore Roosevelt series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1909.
Location. 34° 23.466′ N, 99° 1.082′ W. Marker is in Frederick, Oklahoma, in Tillman County. Marker is on North 9th Street. West of Tillman Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 219-223 N 9th St, Frederick OK 73542, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Site of Beginning Trip of Abernathy Boys to New York City in 1910 (approx. 7.7 miles away); The Great Wolf Hunt (approx. 11.3 miles away).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Site of Beginning Trip of Abernathy Boys to New York City in 1910
Credits. This page was last revised on July 12, 2018. It was originally submitted on July 24, 2017, by Caroline Mitchell Carrico of Memphis, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 666 times since then and 48 times this year. Last updated on July 12, 2018, by Steve Masler of Memphis, Tennessee. Photos: 1. submitted on July 6, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 24, 2017, by Caroline Mitchell Carrico of Memphis, Tennessee. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
