Old West Mule Train

by Betty LaRue

Title

Old West Mule Train

Artist

Betty LaRue

Medium

Photograph - Photograph

Description

Mules hitched into a mule train in Guthrie, Oklahoma, with an applied texture. This image was taken at Oklahoma's Centennial parade some years ago. These were beautiful, hard-working mules and it was a delight to see them harnessed up and pulling a wagon. I chose to only show the mules because one of the drivers wasn't quite in period clothing.
When America was settled, often families gathered into wagon trains to go from the eastern part of the country to points west. Some went to pan or mine for gold, others were simply looking for land to settle, farm and raise their families. These were tough, working people who had the grit to face tough times. They often faced hostile native Indians during their journeys. Mules, along with horses, or oxen, were often used to pull wagons loaded with family belongings.
Word would get out that a new wagon train was forming, and people met at a central area to head west together. There was safety in numbers.
When under attack, they would "circle the wagons" which gave them a way to face the enemy with no vulnerable points.
I've always been sympathetic to both sides, because after all, the settlers were invading Indian land and disturbing a way of life. On the settlers side, they just wanted to peaceably settle and farm their plot of land.

Uploaded

March 14th, 2013

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