This replica of a six mule Army wagon was built on the running gear of an 1864 design for this military wagon. The first design of this wagon in 1857 and the Army brought out three models, the 1858 model, the 1864 model and the 1878 model.

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 1.

The wagon had a payload of 2000 lbs. and was pulled by six mules. 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 wre called the “leaders”. The teamster controlled the wagon by use of a jerk line to the bit of the nigh leader. The nigh leader had a stick from his harness collar to the off or right leaders bit. This stick was called a jockey stick. The wagon was turned to the left by pulling the rein or jerks line in a steady pull causing the nigh leader to come left pulling the off leader with him. Sharp jerks on the jerk line caused pain on the nigh leaders mouth causing him to move away from the pain or to the right. The jockey stick then forced the off leader to the right and the swing team and wheelers went with them. A certain amount of strong language went with this maneuvering, but when you consider the mule skinner had no protection from the elements save what he wore, perhaps it was justified.