The roots of RVing are as old as covered wagons and camping itself, but 1910 is the year that three prominent RV historians – renowned RV collector David Woodworth, RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum archivist Al Hesselbart, and Smithsonian Institution curator Roger White – cite as the beginning of this uniquely American industry. The mass-produced, manufactured auto campers and camping trailers first built that year were the forerunners of today’s RVs and gave birth to a way of travel that has thrived through war and peace, booms and busts, and rapid technological advances.

To celebrate, RVIA (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association) has declared this year the RV Centennial and has several events planned including a “Salute to RV Workers” in the form of video tributes from industry leaders and special recognition of RV workers at a 100th Anniversary Party being hosted by RVIA on Monday, June 7, at the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum in Elkhart, Ind.

RVIA will also conduct a national tour of the official Centennial mascot titled “Centennial Charlie’s Cross-Country Caravan: 100 Days Celebrating 100 years of RVing.”