Beautiful and Durable
Stagecoach is a term used for a variety of different horse-drawn, public transportation coaches. The heavy Concord Stagecoach was first manufactured in Concord, NH, by the Abbot Downing Co. in 1827. The key to the Concord's success was its 'thoroughbraces' or multiple leather straps, on which the body of the coach rocked.

The Concord Coach was the finest road vehicle of its time - a supreme achievement of American stage building. The Coach was frequently painted a brilliant red with elaborate ornamentation and scenic paintings on the doors. The undercarriage and wheels were usually a straw yellow, which made road dust less visible. Nothing is more typical of the history of the settlement of the West than the Concord Stagecoach. The Concord Coach epitomizes the glory of that era, and came to be the true romantic symbol of the Old West.

Mud wagons and Mountains
While the Concord Coach was considered the 'Star of the Road', the Passenger Wagon was the true work horse. The advantage of the passenger wagon and the origin of its nickname, Mud-Wagon, was the lightness that enabled it to pass over frequently poor roads, through mud holes, or up steep mountainous slopes. The Mud-Wagon with its outside framing and square body is less expensive to build and durable in service. The body of these wagons is bolted to iron rockers that, in turn, rest on leather thoroughbraces. These light semi-enclosed carriers are equipped with canvas or enameled leather storm curtains, and brakes Mud wagon Coach for mountain travel. Learn more...