Considered the finest passenger vehicle of the time, the stagecoach traveled an average of five miles per hour, changing horses at swing stations every twelve miles. With as many as nine people seated on three benches inside, one passenger described his journey as:
“A through-ticket and 15 inches of seat, with a fat man on one side, a poor widow on the other, a baby in your lap, a bandbox over your head, and three or more persons immediately in front, leaning against your knees, making the picture, as well as your sleeping place, for the trip.”
Test your stagecoach knowledge
What was the roof of the stagecoach used for?
To carry luggage, express parcels, and mailTo hold on to when the ride got bumpy
To carry luggage, and as extra seating
For passengers to sleep on
What are thoroughbraces?
The driver's reinsStagecoach seat belts
Leather shock absorbers
Old-time wires used to straighten teeth really well
The stagecoach wheels were painted a bright yellow, the body was painted pomegranate red, and the Wells Fargo sign was painted in .
Why was it important that the stagecoach delivered mail?
It was cheaper than sending mail other ways.It was a fast and reliable way to communicate
with others.
The Pony Express was out of business.
Texting back then was really slow.
Who would sit on top, next to the driver?
His wifeA postman
A "shotgun" messenger
A guard dog
Because of its rocking motion, Mark Twain described the stagecoach as a on wheels.
