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A Stagecoach traveled an average speed of about five miles per hour, covering approximately sixty to seventy miles daily. Until the railroads began to dominate in the 1850's stagecoach travel was the major method for group transportation. Its popularity continued, even years later, as rural inhabitants continued to rely on the stage. But traveling was far from comfortable.
Mind Your Manners- Stagecoach Etiquette
Here are a few suggestions noted in the Omaha Herald 1877.
Don't imagine for a moment you are going on a picnic, expect annoyance, discomfort, and some hardship. If you are disappointed, thank heaven. When the driver asks you to get off and walk, do so without grumbling. He will not request it unless it is absolutely necessary. If a team runs away, sit still and take your chances; if you jump, nine times out of ten, you will be hurt.
Photo from the 1939 Movie, "Stagecoach," featuring an amazing stunt by Yakima Canutt.
A stage could hold nine passengers inside and more on the roof. In good weather, the position next to the driver was preferred by most male passengers. This seat was not on a first-come, first-serve basis, but rather permission could only be granted by the stagecoach driver.
Cheyenne, Wyoming stage 1880
Types of Service
Some companies had three classes of service
- First Class rode all the way.
- Second Class had to get out and walk on steep slopes.
- Third Class had to walk and push.
"Stagecoach," 1939 film directed by John Ford.
Stage Stops
There were two types of stations - "swing" and "home."
Dry Fork Way Station, as pictured in the 1939 movie, "Stagecoach."
The "swing" stations were smaller, consisting of little more than a small cabinet and a barn or corral. There, the coach would stop only about ten minutes from changing the team and allowing passengers to stretch before the coach was on its way once more.
"Stagecoach," 1939 film directed by John Ford.
The larger "home" stations were typically situated fifty miles apart and included a stable where the horses could be changed and, often, a blacksmith and repair shop in addition to a telegraph station. Here drivers were usually switched.
"Stagecoach," 1939 film directed by John Ford.
As the stage driver neared the station, he or she would blow a bugle or trumpet to alert the station staff of the impending arrival. Prior to my research, I don't recall learning of a bugle announcing the arrival of the stage, but I could certainly imagine the excitement of a small town, anxious to receive mail, supplies, or perhaps a visitor, or in the case of my new release, a mail-order husband.
New Release Available for Pre-Order
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C59M8B65
A widowed blacksmith, Joseph Evans, is hardened, hard-pressed, and weighed down by the needs of his unusual family. If only he could find a housekeeper. But they’re in short supply, and Joseph needs one with the patience of Job. “I don’t want a wife. What I need is a miracle.”
Livery stable owner Birdie Murphy needs another pair of hands to save her family home and business. In desperation, she seeks the help of a matchmaker. “I don’t want romance. What I need is a single man without baggage or children – a business partner who’s honest, kind, hardworking, and uncomplicated.”
A satisfied grin spreads across the matchmaker’s face as she considers the surveys. Such a perfect pairing doesn’t occur often. After all, what we think we want and need are two different things.
Connect with Kimberly:Fans of historical romance set in the late 19th -century will enjoy stories combining, History, Humor, and Romance, emphasizing Faith, Friends, and Good, Clean Fun.
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