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.
"[citation needed] By the 20th century, Travelers Aid Societies had sprung up in major cities across the country.
[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.