Welcome to MaKensie's Class!
Learn About The Stagecoach
HISTORY
A stagecoach is a type of covered wagon that carries people and goods inside. It is usually pulled by 4 horses. It made trips to different stations to pick up things or people and drop things or people off. The first stagecoach originated in England in the 16th century. They were very slow on the poor quality roads. By the 18th century the stagecoach became faster and England's roads became better. The stagecoaches started to become very popular in the 18th century in the U.S. In the 1830s the railroad was beginning to be built so the stagecoaches weren't as popular anymore.
ADVANTAGES
- One of the safer ways to travel back then
- Able to travel with high speeds
- Carried passengers, money, and mail between cities and towns
- Kept on schedule
DISADVANTAGES
- Travel in harsh weather conditions. In the summer it would be hot and in the winter it would be cold.
- Travel on treacherous terrain
- Would get attacked by Indians and bandits
- Rides were very uncomfortable, but it was one of the safer ways to travel.
- If passengers wanted to sleep they would have to sleep sitting up because it was bad etiquette to rest on someone's shoulder.
INVENTORS
The Abbot Downing Company
- made over 40 kinds of carriages
- base was in New Hampshire
- made wagons until 1919
- their first stagecoach was made in 1827
- coaches weighed more than 2,000 pounds
IMPORTANCE TO NORTH DAKOTA
- It helped more people to visit North Dakota and some people ended off staying here
- It hauled supplies to the military forts
- People had to go through North Dakota to get to the Black Hills
- Brought the railroads into the state
HOW STAGEOACHES IMPACTED NORTH DAKOTA
- It caused many people to come to North Dakota, causing North Dakota to grow in population
- Made transportation easier all over
Contact Information
Email: ndstagecoaches@bpsapps.org
Website: www.learnmorestuff.com
Location: Bismarck, ND, United States
Phone: 701-225-6575
"The Making of a Stagecoach Photo Shoot: Building the Coach"