August-September 2025 • Nebraskaland 41
"From the Missouri to the Great Salt Lake" is still the best
account of overland freighting in these parts — the choice
was between oxen and mules. Oxen were relatively cheap,
durable and less likely to stampede or be stolen, but mules
were faster and more manageable. Driving a mule team
required more skill, so "muleskinners" were better paid than
"bullwhackers."
But both classes of teamsters were considered dirty and
disreputable. They usually wore broad-brimmed felt hats
and red- or blue-checked fl annel shirts, with trousers tucked
into high boots and held up with a broad belt that also held a
bowie knife and revolver. They rode all day in a cloud of dust
and slept on the ground with no place to wash up. "No one,"
said Lass, "except possibly buff alo skinners, had as much
opportunity to become physically repulsive."
A typical wagon train required about 300 oxen, 26 wagons
and 30 men to haul about 60-75 tons of cargo. Doing so
required physical courage and considerable skill. An ox-
drawn wagon usually had six yoke, carefully arranged.
Out front, the two leaders were the best-trained pair,
Illustration of freighting in Nebraska City, 1865. NSHS RG2294-0-6
uleskinners
