Video – What is a mule?

Although rarely mentioned in academic discussions, mules played a critical role in the economy of the Southeastern United States . . . from the earliest Spanish settlements and British “Indian traders” until the mid-20th century. They were especially important in the Colonial Period because Spain, Great Britain and France were not terribly inclined to build decent roads and bridges for their colonists. In fact, the second generation of Loyalists, whose parents fled to Upper Canada after the American Revolution almost went to war against Great Britain over this issue.

For the remainder of 2024, we will continue discussing the Colonial and Federal Periods within the interior of the Southeast. The many mountains, steep hills, rivers and streams of the region made transportation almost impossible for wheeled vehicles until roads, ferries and bridges were constructed. Until then, goods were transported on the backs of mules, donkeys and work horses . . . principally mules.

I realized that most readers probably have never even touched a mule, much less ridden one. Mine was the last generation in which farmers, plowing with mules was a common sight. Mule wagons was the only form of transportation for swampers living outside of Waycross, GA. We moved to Gainesville, GA when I was eight. At that time, there was still a large mule auction stable, one block off the square in Gainesville. Alas, that has been long . . . gone with the wind.

This excellent video will give you city slickers and suburbanites a much better understanding of the world that I am describing with architectural graphics. Hope you enjoy it.