Romantic Tales - Western

Traveling by stagecoach in nineteenth century America was an arduous undertaking for the passenger. Road conditions were generally poor. Although major thoroughfares were slightly better, secondary and rural roads promised muddy, rutted roads sprinkled with horse dung. Drivers were known for their drunkenness. Combining a driver’s impatience and bad roads, passengers undertaking a long trip would expect the stagecoach to turnover at least once.

The Omaha Herald, 1877, provides some interesting commentary into stagecoach etiquette. The Omaha Herald advised that the best seat inside a stagecoach was next to the driver. The passenger would experience less bumping and jarring. Travelers should get out and walk about when so instructed by the driver without complaint. Passengers should not complain about the food at the stations, keep the stage waiting, smoke a pipe in the early morning, swear nor fall on your neighbor’s shoulder while sleeping.

Politics and religion should not be discussed. It was also recommended not to jump out of the coach when a team ran away. The passenger faced greater danger from leaping from the stagecoach then taking his chances by remaining seated.