The Travelers Aid movement began in St. Louis, Missouri, under the leadership of Mayor Bryan Mullanphy.
At the time of his death in 1851, Mullanphy left a bequest of a half million dollars in his will to help "aid travelers going west."
[3] Due primarily to the efforts of TAS-NY General Secretary Orin Clarkson Baker, national unification was finally accomplished in 1917.
[4] This national association provided a "chain of service", with one agency helping another when intercity transportation of a client was required.
Although each member agency shares the original service of assisting stranded travelers, many Travelers Aid agencies provide shelter for the homeless, transitional housing, job training, counseling, local transportation assistance, and other programs.