He then after the war lived in Wales Center of Erie County. He held several public offices while there, with some being: justice of the peace, school inspector, postmaster, builder, and county surveyor. In 1817, at the age of 25, Burt traveled for 81 days to the far west. He went on his journeys mostly on foot, but some parts he had to use small boats or horses. His travels took him to the cities of Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and St. Louis. He eventually took a northerly route by horse through Illinois and Indiana to Detroit, then by boat to Buffalo.