Use of Camels in the Old West by Kit Morgan

 

Hi, Kit Morgan here. The use of camels in the old west is often overlooked or forgotten, yet it was an extremely important part of the development of the western United States. Camels were an important source of transportation for settlers and explorers, and their use in the American West changed the face of the region.

The use of camels in the old west dates back to the late 1850s. At this time, the United States was looking for a way to transport goods and supplies to the western territories. The federal government decided that the best option was to use animals such as horses, mules, and oxen, but they soon realized that these animals were not suitable for the long and arduous journeys of the west. It was then that the decision was made to import camels from other countries such as Turkey, Syria, and Egypt.

The first camel shipment to the United States arrived in 1856. The camels were loaded onto a ship in Turkey and sailed to the port of Indianola, Texas. From there, the camels were then transported by rail to Camp Verde near San Antonio. The camels were then sold to the United States government and used in a variety of military and exploration expeditions.

The use of camels in the old west had a significant impact on the development of the western territories. The camels were able to travel longer distances than horses and mules, making them ideal for exploring the vast deserts of the region. Camels were also capable of carrying heavier loads, making them an ideal option for transporting goods and supplies. What's more, camels were able to survive in harsh conditions, such as extreme heat and cold, making them a great choice for exploring the difficult terrain of the American West.

In addition to their practical uses, camels were also used for entertainment purposes. Traveling shows, such as the one created by the famous showman Buffalo Bill Cody, used camels as a part of their act. The camels were trained to perform various tricks and feats, which delighted audiences all over the United States.

Camels in the old west eventually declined as railroads became more common and automobiles came into widespread use. However, the legacy of the camel in the American West can still be seen today. Many towns in the region still have "camel crossings" that were once used by the animals, and some people still use them for recreational purposes. There is even an annual "Camel Festival" held in Wickenburg, Arizona, which celebrates the use of camels in the region.

The use of camels in the old west was an important and often overlooked part of the development of the region. The hardy animals were capable of transporting goods and supplies, exploring difficult terrain, and entertaining audiences around the country. Despite their eventual decline in popularity, the camels of the American West left an indelible mark on the region and its culture.

I have a character, Mr. Gilbert Snow, who rescued a bunch of animals from a circus that had been mistreating them. He rescued a lion cub, a baby chimpanzee, some lemurs, and of course, a camel, whom he affectionately named Sheik Ali. Mr. Snow moved to my fictional town of Clear Creek in the late 1880s and brought with him his family and his menagerie. In my latest release, Wellington (the story about one of his sons) Mr. Snow rides his camel to town now and then, takes him for jaunts onto the prairie, and at the annual town picnic, likes to give the children rides. 

On the drive to a friend's house there's a camel in a pasture, and I always wonder if the owners ride it. If you'd like to read about Mr. Snow and his family, you can read the first of my books they appear in. His Saving Grace, where a young couple, fascinated with the first family to ever move to their little town, try to guess the Snows' background with hilarious results.

AMAZON