Stagecoaches
Stagecoaches were the principal means of public cross country transportation in the United States and Europe during the 1800's. European coaches were known as Mail Coaches. Stage coaches traveled set routes on a schedule, with stops at 'stages' of the journey to change horses. In the early 1900's, the efficiency and speed of the railroad systems put the stagecoach lines out of business. The major coach lines were the Wells Fargo, the California, European, and the Concord. Mudwagons are the plain cousin to the stage coach. Stage coaches were upholstered in fine leathers with silk wall coverings. Mudwagons had plain wooden benches and no wall coverings for easier clean out from muddy passengers.
