Mules in the American West

[Tsalagidave]

The American Mule deserves more credit than it's given as the trailblazer's companion. In fact, it is more versatile and valuable than the horse in its ability to cope with rough terrain and the unexpected dangers on and off the trails of the American Frontier.

The Author's Thoughts on the Mule

The least glamorous but most useful creature of genus Equus is what may be considered, the illegitimate offspring of the horse and donkey. This term fits not because of any distain that I have for the venerable old mule. No, I like them despite what many seasoned muleteers may say when spinning yarns of savage kicks, thrown 'cargas' and hapless riders, hurtled headlong into a cholla patch, soon to gain Solomon's knowledge through Job's suffering. No sir! The mule is truly a child of two families ascended to the lofty title of prince and princess of the plains.

While donkeys, and horses,  care naught for matrimony beyond their casual association; their tryst in cupids grove begat a sterile hybrid with the best traits of both animals combined. So, such regal perfection comes at a dear cost as each mule is condemned to its glorious reign over its own realm without hope of an heir to their dynasty. With their final breath, the sun sets on another glorious bloodline; one whose mold was broken upon the first casting with an exact copy of its likeness ne're to be seen again.


Mules have faithfully served humanity since ancient times. They have carried kings and borne the burdens of countless civilizations long before their hooves ever crushed the sod of North America's deserts and plains.

Read the Full Article

https://www.frontieramericanillustratednews.com/post/mules-in-the-american-west

[Mogorilla]

Excellent!   I have been a fan of mules since i was a wee lad.   Great uncle had a matched set of 8 mules for team hauling competitions.   Their tack rivaled the Budweiser Clydesdales!    He also had several riding mules.   As a 6-10 year old, they were the gentlest creatures i have ever been around.   The carrots and apples i brought probably helped.

[Professor Marvel]

Great article, Dave!
I learned more than I expected!
incredibly extensive, one could use this as a text for "would be" mule owners.

yhs
prof marvel

[River City John]

My great-great Uncle on his mule.

[Tsalagidave]

That is a great picture John.  There is so much similarity between kids today posing with their favorite ride and your uncle posing with his. What great history! Thanks for sharing.

-Dave

[Tsalagidave]

Professor and Mogorilla,

Thank you for the kind words. I'm glad you liked the article. Its always good to put together a story that my friends will enjoy.

Thanks

-Dave

[Dave T]

Dave,

I already posted a comment on FAIN but wanted to join the others here and say well done.  We've talked about mules several times and still I enjoyed reading you posting. Again, well done my friend.

Dave

[Tsalagidave]

Thanks Dave, I appreciate the kind words pard.

-Dave

[BlackButtes]

Another great article Dave!
Made me miss my mule; George was a 52". He always got me back to the truck during a night of coon hunting.

[Tsalagidave]

Another great article Dave!
Made me miss my mule; George was a 52". He always got me back to the truck during a night of coon hunting.

I'd like to hear more about him B.B.

-Dave

[Crooked River Bob]

Great article, Dave!

I've been reading Henry Inman's The Old Santa Fe Trail, and he had much to say about mules and packers.  Likewise George Frederick Ruxton, in Adventures in Mexico and the Rocky Mountains.

We know the names of some of the mules of the old west.  Mormon pioneer John Brown (not the abolitionist) crossed the plains thirteen times carrying a .66 caliber Hawken rifle, and riding a mule named Zeke.  James Josiah Webb (not Josiah Gregg... different trader) devoted about two full pages in his memoir to his beloved mule, Dolly Spanker.

Best regards,

Crooked River Bob

[Tsalagidave]

Thanks Bob,

Interesting you mentioned Ruxton.  I am working with a Rare Book dealer to get me an original copy of this book. As a traveling English adventurer, he really covered vital details that many American chroniclers often took for granted as common knowledge.

Ruxton's two books on the American West can be read online and these are amazing sources on the time period that this group is focused on.

-Dave