Spittin’ Against the Wind

In the 1830s, Davy Crockett opened a window aboard a train, which was a serious taboo because sparks from the smokestack could blow inside and cause a fire. But Crockett justified his action by saying, “I can only judge of the speed by putting my head out to spit, which I did, and overtook it so quick, that it hit me smack in the face.” Tobacco-chewing passengers usually spat in the center aisle. The practice was an uncomfortable one, however, as early passenger cars were modeled on stage