Invention of the Chuck Wagon
The invention of the American chuck wagon is credited to cattleman Charles Goodnight. In 1866, Charles needed a way to keep his drovers fed as they trailed cattle from Texas to the North. A true product of "necessity breeds creativity", Goodnight bolted a wooden box to the back of an Army Studebaker wagon and added compartments to store utensils, bedding, food, and more. The rest, they say, is history.
The term "chuck" is from 17th Century England used by meat merchants who referred to their lower priced goods. By the 18th Century, "chuck" was colloquial for good, heart-warming food. So it is no surprise that Goodnight's invention became known as a "chuck wagon". His simple creativity revolutionized the cattle industry and is now celebrated as the official vehicle of Texas.
We can all thank the chuck wagon for keeping all those cowboys happy and well fed while on the trail. Hey...everyone has to eat, right?
Coffee inside once again.
