Those who have studied Niagara County’s storied past know that the county has had a great number of “firsts” in its 200-year history. One very unusual first is the claim-to-fame of Justin James (“J.J.”) Cramer as the first man to cross the continent on horseback, and in fact, with a return trip, he did it twice. The epic journey spanned the continent from Hartland Road in Middleport to Alaska and then back.

J.J. honed his riding skills while serving in the U.S. Cavalry during WWII. When the cavalry was disbanded, he became a bombardier, but never lost his love of horses. Bob Hanssen, from Colonial Ridge Riding Stables in Middleport, remembered Cramer. “He just walked in, wearing a suit and tie, and said he wanted to buy a horse. He came back the next day, we had the horse shod, he bought and old saddle and bridle, we gave him some grain and off he went. He was wearing a western-style suit and a string tie and looked more like he was riding off to church than to Alaska.”

Cramer, then age 54, arrived at his mother’s house on Hartland Road on May 7, 1969 and announced he was ready to “saddle up and head out,” along with his new friend “Doc,” a 7-year old black western-gelding. The journey would take them more than 5,000 miles away from home. Five months later, after countless nights spent on the ground under starry skies, and incredible adventures along the way, Cramer arrived at his chosen destination: Juneau, Alaska. His trip captured the attention of the country as J.J. and Doc made the first transcontinental horseback trip from Niagara County to Alaska. On the return trip, the duo picked up another trekker, a timber wolf pup that was presented to J.J. as a gift. The pup, at first too small to keep up, rode inside J.J.’s coat or in a special attachment to Doc’s saddle. After a few months on the trail, “Wolf” had grown big enough to trot alongside the pair as they made their return trip to Middleport.

Douglas Farley, Director
Erie Canal Discover Center
24 Church St.
Lockport NY 14094
716.439.0431
CanalDiscovery@aol.com
www.NiagaraHistory.org