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Special Feature: Along The North Escambia Trail With A Wagon Train
May 2, 2012
The scene Tuesday very well could have been a postcard snapshot of the dawning of Walnut Hill in the 1800’s. Freshly plowed fields stretch across the flat land, blue skies with a few puffy white clouds floating along in a gentle breeze, piney woods in the distance. Nearby, railroad tracks sat empty, awaiting the next freighter’s horn to break the melody of birds singing.
In the distance, the outline of a wagon train could be seen approaching, a baker’s dozen strong with outriders for protection. Moving nearer, the sound grew louder of horseshoes — clump, clump, clump — and of chains rattling used to connect horses, mules and tack to handcrafted wagons.
For a photo gallery, click here.
But this was May 1, 2012. And in our modern zip-zip fast paced world, wagon trains tend to draw a bit of attention. And that was the point on the annual wagon train ride to the Tate High School FFA Rodeo. The ride started Saturday morning in Barnett Crossroads, just north of I-65 in Escambia County, Ala. It ends Friday night at the Escambia County Equestrian Center in Pensacola for Tate FFA Rodeo’s grand parade.
It’s a 20 year old tradition started by the late Selmer Thompson with a ride from Barrineau Park to Pensacola. This year is the first annual week long event.
At one to four horsepower, or mule-power each, it’s slow ride with a top speed of about 3.5 mph that provides the opportunity to take in the surroundings. And to be neighborly, speaking and waving to the bystanders that gather along the highways or in their yards to watch the unique picture of Americana pass by.
“It’s just an amazing thing,” participant Tina Martin said. “There’s nothing like it.”
“When you ride in a car, you can see what man has made,” wagon owner James Smith said. “But when you ride in a wagon or on a horse, you stop and have time to see what God made.”
Catching up with the ride Tuesday afternoon on Corley Road for the photos on the page, our photographer discovered that the only way back to his car from a ride along with the wagon would be a horse. There were no escort vehicles, no trucks full of supplies. This was a real deal, old-timey wagon train through the countryside.
But it’s not a total step back into time — some of the wagons have battery powered lights, fans and radios — country music, of course. And a few wagons were equipped with BBQ grills mounted at the rear. No need for a drive-thru when the ride is a self-contained, on the move BBQ house.
The actual ride Tuesday was our second encounter with the die hard wagoneers. Modern life, roughing it style, was more evident at the group’s camp Monday night on Highway 164 at Velor Road.
They had just finished a 13 mile trek from Canoe, Alabama. The horses and mules were grazing and resting.
“They eat before we do,” Smith said, gesturing toward the animals.
The wind rustled through the campsite beneath tall pecan trees. A welcomed cool breeze following a hot last day of April with a high in the 90’s — made worse by the open air ride over asphalt.
In the old days of the Tate FFA ride, trail riders would sleep on the ground, or air mattress popped up in the back of a pickup. But this is 2012, after all. The generators hummed outside dual purpose trailers — part horse trailer part in the front and part comfy RV in the back. It’s chance to rest in the A/C or watch a little TV while getting ready to hit the highways again in the morning.
“I just love it,” Martin said. “It’s an experience you’ll never forget.”
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
18 Responses to “Special Feature: Along The North Escambia Trail With A Wagon Train”
I do love me some horse….i love their tails, feet, and their fury coat.
LOve the wagon train …That was back when everything wasn’t in a rush and a hand shake was all you needed… I like!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I saw them coming down my street when I was leaving this morning!
Like!
Great Story!!!! Love the picture of Tommy and Darryl on the wagon doing what they have done for years!! Hope ya’ll have a great time and a safe trip>
How wunderful! And what an opportunity to see how our ancestors made it to different parts of our country (minus the radios, cell phones and cameras) of course
This is a wonderful event. We still do have people who love this outdoor life. The rodeo is a great family outing also. THANKS William, for the “good news”. We appreciate the article and the great pictures. Happy trails everyone!
That has to be a wonderful excursion! Lots of artistic talent is shown in the building of the wagons. Not many places to find an authentic wagon as were built in the 1800’s/early 1900’s. Fully agree with Snardly McWheat on using radial tires on their wagons, “them boys got grit” LOL
This wagon train has many of our great friends on it from all over alabama… Some from Atmore others from Uriah and Little Rock. I am with Little Rock Volunteer Fire Department … And Barnett Crossroads Fire teamed up with us on Sunday to help feed this wagon train of many people! Luckily we had just enough hamburgers for them.. It really is a wonderful sight to see!! So many beautiful horses and neat looking wagons. Don’t miss this community!!
>>Can anyone tell me where they will be stopping Thursday night (in Alabama?)
LA Campgrounds, Hwy 112 just south of Nims Fork Road.
Can anyone tell me where they will be stopping Thursday night (in Alabama?) Thanks
Great.
reminds me of the goatman that came through Escambia County in the 60’s.
I am a little jealous with FFA thriving so well, especially at Tate, Tate 66.( I was an FFA member then, but 4H gave more opportunity then. Just shows what leadership in an organization can do. Too bad there is no leadership at Escambia Extension!
Thank you northescambia for bringing this story. I know you have to cover the bad stories, but the positive ones are nice. I’m nearly homebound and I love to see the pictures of what’s going on here. You are my eyesto the outside world.
And the writing was wonderful and so visual on this one. Thank you again. I used to ride. It brought me great joy.
How beautiful! Love the Mules,horses & wagons! Wish I was there right now!
Wonderful event. Glad to see them in Walnut Hill!
The John Deere green wagon with the polka dotted apps is ours!!
I went Saturday and Sunday but had to come back to work. I am looking forward to finishing the week out with them on Friday!!
AWESOME!!! This will be our first year to witness this tradition!!! It’s going to pass right in front of our house!!
**Just wish I knew about what time! lol…
Glad you could do this William!!!!!!!!! Have fun everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!
With bucket seats, radial tires, and air conditioning. Them boys got grit.