Near Watrous in Mora County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
The Six Mule Army Wagon
— Fort Union National Monument —
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 23, 2015
1. The Six Mule Army Wagon Marker
The Six Mule Army Wagon contributed to the military's success in the Southwest. With its simple design and iconic red and blue paint scheme, the Six Mule Army Wagon, nicknamed the "Old Army Six Mule", performed the critical role of linking commerce, supplies, and communication between the forts of the Southwest to each other during the mid to late 19th century. The wagon was capable of transporting up to 4,000 lbs of supplies on good roads. Depending on the weather and conditions of the Santa Fe Trail, the wagon transported an average of 2,000 pounds and traveled 12-24 miles per day.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Santa Fe Trail series list.
Location. 35° 54.299′ N, 105° 0.736′ W. Marker is near Watrous, New Mexico, in Mora County. Marker can be reached from New Mexico Route 161, 7½ miles north of CanAm Highway (Interstate 25). Marker is located along the park trail at Fort Union National Monument. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3115 New Mexico Route 161, Watrous NM 87753, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of
this page online
Regarding The Six Mule Army Wagon. Thousands of these wagons were built for use in the Civil War and design (with modifications) was in use by the United States military from 1858 until after World War I. The teamster or mule skinner did not ride in the wagon, but rode the “nigh” or left wheeler mule. The two mules that were closest to the wagon were called the “wheelers”, the next pair of mules were called the “swing team” and the
front pair were called the “leaders”.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Fort Union National Monument
Also see . . . Mule-Drawn Wagon Trains. The Cleveland Civil War Roundtable website entry (Submitted on February 17, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Marker detail: Six Mule Army Wagon diagram
Mass produced for the U. S. military by numerous carriage companies, the components of the Six Mule Army Wagon were designed so that its parts could be interchanged with other wagons, ensuring for easy and quick repairs.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 23, 2015
3. The Six Mule Army Wagon Marker
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 23, 2015
4. Six Mule Army Wagon
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 23, 2015
5. The Six Mule Army Wagon
Credits. This page was last revised on February 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 628 times since then and 66 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 28, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 5. submitted on May 2, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
