I forgot to say, in a working 1830's village in New England, known as Old Sturbridge Village, they use oxen for all kinds of things, including plowing and hauling. I've got a great picture of my kids with them from when they were little and we went there to visit.

You can see a picture of them working the fields on the main page and, if you scroll down to the tour, and click on village center it will take you to another picture of them, in their yokes and working.

We never did see oxen out here when I was growing up and never heard them spoken of, except maybe in early wagon train days.

kat