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Subject: [IOWA] Early Iowa Transportation
Date: Mon, 5 Mar 2001 09:13:06 EST

In early Iowa most people who lived in small towns walked or rode a horse. I
found an old ordinance for my town (Nevada, Iowa. Story County Seat) which
stated where each house could put their hitching posts out in front of the
house (for visitors) The ordinance also stated that if you tied your horse
to an ornamental tree or shrub that you were responsible for any damage done
to the tree or shrub.

More wealthy people in town had a carriage house in back which was where the
horses and wagon or carriage was kept, much like our garages. People who
didn't travel much could rent a horse and wagon or carriage from the livery
stable, much like a rental car of today. People who did not have carriage
houses could 'board' their horses at the livery stable for a fee.

There were stagecoach routes between some of the towns and you could pay to
ride on one. Later when the railroad came through that offered
transportation as well, but only to certain places. Therefore most people
still transported themeslves by horse.

I hope people on the list find this interesting. Joan

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