The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #37623 Message #525455
Posted By: Dicho (Frank Staplin)
10-Aug-01 - 10:32 PM
Thread Name: What is a mule skinner?
Subject: RE: What is a mule skinner?
Guest Bobbi has a skewed interpretation. The term was used all over the west and in the south for the man who handled a mule team. Captain was a term commonly used for the boss, or other person of importance. The buffalo slaughterers used muleskinners, but much more importantly, merchants who organized supply trains and trading parties, the mining camp merchants and miners and anyone involved in haulage of all kinds. Mule teams were faster than oxen and are very smart in picking their way through rough bits where mis-steps could mean a broken leg. A good mule team and skinner could get work when others used the pick or begged. As an employee or self-employed, the muleskinners were important in the development of the west and anywhere else where railroads,rivers and canals were lacking.