What is a sheep wagon and why would you want to stay in one?
A sheep wagon is a home on wheels built out of necessity for the shepherd, or sheep herder. It was everything all rolled into one, a place to sleep, a place to eat and cook, a place to stay warm out of the harsh elements and a place to store needed supplies. A sheep wagon is an enduring symbol of the west. Why should you stay in one? Well, grab a cup of coffee and let’s talk about that…
At the turn of the 20th century, sheep wagons were a common sight in the American West. Today? Not so much. Enter the first reason you might be inclined to stay in a sheep wagon – you would get to experience an important, albeit often forgotten part of history. Perhaps someone way back in your family was a sheepherder, what a way to feel connected to that relative and gain a glimpse into what their life was like. Or maybe, like a lot of our guests, you are just an adventurous soul looking for a truly unique experience. Whatever your reasons, let’s dive in to more about what the sheep wagon is and why it came about.
What is a sheep wagon?
In short, a sheepwagon is an old fashioned tiny house (the original tiny home if you will!) to provide a home base and protection from the elements for herders when out on the range with their flock of sheep.
Brief history of the sheep wagon
Cattle came to the west before sheep. During the harsh winter of 1886-1887, many cattle died which resulted in a myriad of cattle barons selling out and going back to Europe. This made more land available for the fledgling sheep outfits at the time. Sheep grew in popularity and their numbers expanded very fast. The west was open range at that time, so people had big mobs or flocks of sheep and a sheepherder would move them to new grazing areas constantly. Traditionally, shepherds or sheep herders would sleep in tents out on the range but the west brought such a harsh climate, that they needed something with more protection – so the wagon was born.
Sheep wagon features
Every wagon had a bed, benches, a table, storage, a wood cookstove and later, a dutch door. Beyond that, their features and particular design widely varies. The sheep wagon gave herders a place to sleep out of the harsh wind and cold. The cookstove served a dual purpose as a place to cook meals and keep the wagon cozy – not only for the herder, but sometimes for young lambs that got chilled as well. They were mobile, on wheels, and could easily follow the sheep from place to place, first by team of horses, and later by vehicle. They had storage for grain, dog food, human food, tack, medicines and more.
They were extremely popular and an enduring symbol for many years. They even served as housing for many newlywed couples, teachers and more. Many large ranches relied on sheep wagons for herders to care for their sheep. Typical numbers were 1 herder and wagon per 1,000 head of sheep. About 80 miles southwest of here is the famous Bair Family Ranch. It is said that at one time he had 300 wagons and 300,000 head of sheep. After a while, the sheep industry had a big downturn and many farms and ranches got out of the sheep business or severely downsized. The need for the wagon was no more.
Are sheep wagons still used today?
Some ranches still use sheepwagons today. In fact, there are still a few companies in business building new sheep wagons, and many artisans are restoring and rebuilding old sheep wagons. Ranchers have found that campers do not hold up to the rough life of herding that sheep wagons do and have gone back to using sheep wagons.
Most sheep wagons have found a new purpose today aside from their original purpose- being restored for festivals, parades and museums to help preserve that part of history, or fixed up and used as guest quarters as we are doing. Many still just set out on the prairie where they were left, a reminder of what used to be.
Frequently asked questions about our sheep wagon:
How old is it?
We really have no idea how old our wagon is. All we can do is make our best guess based on different features of our wagon. We know that it originally had wagon wheels due to the rub marks and the original, hand forged brake hardware. Based on that and other hand forged pieces on the wagon, we believe it to be from the early 1900’s. We believe it was switched to a car running gear around the 1940’s or 50’s based on the age of the running gear.
Are sheep wagons still in use today?
Yes! Please see the above section addressing this.
What’s the story on your wagon?
We would love to share that story with you! Please see this post.
Where can I learn more?
If you come stay with us, we keep a copy of “Sheepwagon, Home on the Range” by Nancy Weidel in the wagon for you to read and enjoy. It is packed full of information and photos of sheep wagons.
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