Mules

Pack Mules - The Most Important Animal in History
The Most Important Animals in History - Pack Mules!
It could be argued that no other animals besides men were as important to the development of America as were the pack mules. These beasts of burden made possible the movement of coal, gold, silver, and salt. They were used to build railroads and canals, to plow fields and harvest crops, and to haul mail and water. And, of course, they were second only to man in wartime. But, what qualified the lowly mule for this prestigious place in history? Image Courtesy of Library of Congress

20 Mule Teams
20 Mule Teams, Borax, and Death Valley
* Harsh, hostile, deadly environment * Steep, rugged mountains * A valley 282 feet below sea level * Barren, blistering-hot deserts * No water; no humidity * 330-miles round trips * Two of the largest freight wagons ever built * 1,200 gallon steel water tank * Thirty-six tons of cargo And a 20-mule team. Derivative of Photo Courtesy of Library of Congress

Celebrating Mules in Old Mule Tales
He has been described in many unflattering ways: * outrage upon nature * puzzle of the brutes * unapproachable in devilment * fathomless in cunning * incarnation and sum-total of quadrupedal deviltry * stubborn and chief of "cussedness" * born old in crime * mischief incarnate * of disreputable paternity Yet, he has also been described in old mule tales as: * a seductive reasoner * philosopher of the animal kingdom * chief factor in all military operations on the frontier * one who cannot b...

Old Mule Songs and Poetry
Old mule songs and poetry share the very strong feelings that these awesome quadrupeds have inspired in people through the years—mostly very good feelings. While many wrote of the antics and contrariness of the mule, others wrote old mule songs and poetry to share their love and their high regard for them. People have always written songs and poetry to express their deepest thoughts. And so it was that one lowly beast of burden came to be honored in these old mule songs and poems. Mul...

Army Mules - The Unsung Heroes
Army Mules - Serving in the U.S. Military
We know not from whence the Army mule came or how long he lived. He was a half-breed by birth and completely sterile, incapable of ensuring the future of his race. His voice is like none other known on earth. He has been the servant of peasants and great kings. Regardless of his less than auspicious beginnings, when war ravaged our nation and when soldiers opened up the desolate deserts and mountains of the great Southwest, he was as important as the army commandants. He is the Army Mule. T...