Stagecoach Etiquette

by Cindi Sutter, Founder & Editor Spirited Table®

“Today’s post is my second rendering from a magazine/book by Dan Valentine, entitled Spirit of the West. Maybe it’s my Texas roots, but I love the way they choose to share their life, jokes and cowboy wisdom, written with a cross between slapstick humor and down to earth good life lessons. I hope you enjoy it.“

In the old days of the West—more than a century ago—traveling was done by Wells Fargo Stagecoaches. This was before the opening of the transcontinental railroad. The journeys via Wells Fargo Stagecoaches were long, dusty, and tiresome. 

In addition, the coaches were cramped. Passengers were jammed in, and the company set down certain rules designed for the comfort of all travelers. 

For example, passengers were asked not to drink alcoholic beverages during the journey and not to fall asleep on each other. 

Here is the set of rules for passengers set down by the Wells Fargo Co. more than 100 years ago:

“1. Abstinence from liquor is requested, but if you must drink, share the bottle. To do otherwise makes you appear selfish and unneighborly.

2. If ladies are present, gentlemen are urged to forego smoking cigars and pipes as the odor of same is repugnant to the Gentle Sex. Chewing tobacco is permitted but spit WITH the wind, not against it. 

3. Gentlemen must refrain from the use of rough language in the presence of ladies and children.

4. Buffalo robes are provided for your comfort during cold weather. Hogging robes will not be tolerated and the offender will be made to ride with the driver.

5. Don’t snore loudly while sleeping or use your fellow passenger’s shoulder for a pillow; he (or she) may not understand and friction may result. 

6. Firearms may be kept on your person for use in emergencies. Do not fire them for pleasure or shoot at wild animals as the sound riles the horses. 

7. In the event of runaway horses, remain calm. Leaping from the coach in panic will leave you injured, at the mercy of the elements, hostile Indians, and hungry coyotes. 

8. Forbidden topics of discussion are stagecoach robberies and Indian uprisings.

9. Gents guilty of unchivalrous behavior toward lady passengers will be put off the stage. It’s a long walk back. A word to the wise is sufficient.”