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The chuckwagon was a folk invention of the Post-Civil war era developed by Charles Goodnight, a Texas cattleman. Frustrated by the inefficiency of trans- porting food and supplies for trail crews by the traditional methods of ox carts or pack horse, Goodnight obtained a surplus army wagon, stripped it down to its run- ning gear, then transformed it into a mobile kitchen. Probably the first real chuckwagon was taken 'up the trail' in 1866 on a 2000 head cattle drive. The chuckwagon epitomized the hub of life for the western cowboy. Besides serving as the cook's traveling kitchen and the cowboy's home on long trail drives, it carried provisions for the trail hands, plus bedrolls, shovels, axes, rope, and even a few personal items. In the mid-1880's, when trail-driving reached its zenith and cattle ranching reached the vast open range of the 'Great Plains', market demand led the Studebaker Bros. Mfg. Co. of South Bend, Ind. to produce their 'Round-Up Wagon', especially designed for feeding large crews. The Round-Up Wagon was heavier and less mobile than the lighter trail models. Because of its usefulness and practical design, the chuckwagon changed very little from its original design in 1866 and remained an intregal part of American ranching for nearly a century. Still a useful part of the ranching industry today, the chuckwagon stands as a sentimental symbol of the western legacy of a bygone era. Prices start at $9900.00.
For more info contact Doug at 605-996-8754.
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