Did Stagecoach Travel Have Different Classes of Ticket?

Whatever class of ticket these pioneers had, they faced a tough journey while traveling on this stagecoach from Deadwood, Dakota Territory, circa 1880. – All images True West archives – — Whatever class of ticket these pioneers had, they faced a tough journey while traveling on this stagecoach from Deadwood, Dakota Territory, circa 1880.
– All images True West archives –

Did stagecoach travel have different classes of ticket?

Roger M. Dillingham
Hackney, London, United Kingdom

Some stagecoach companies had three classes. First class rode all the way; second class had to get out and walk on steep grades; third class passengers not only had to walk, but also push on the hills. Crossing the sand dunes west of Yuma, Arizona Territory, passengers had to ride the hurricane deck of a mule, hence the name “Jackass Mail.” Regardless of class, all had to endure the lack of sleep, bad food and the elements.

Marshall Trimble is Arizona’s official historian and vice president of the Wild West History Association. His latest book is Arizona Outlaws and Lawmen; The History Press, 2015. If you have a question, e-mail him at marshall.trimble@scottsdalecc.edu