By Eason Franklin
The Lowndes Signal

Cowboys and cattle herders riding horse-back have played a major role in our country’s landscape.

This week Lowndes County residents got their opportunity to observe horse-drawn wagons make their way through the county to various stops and camp-sites.

The annual Wagon Train marked its 30th anniversary this year, traveling through the county making its way toward the annual rodeo held at the Montgomery Coliseum.

Traveling through Lowndesboro, Trail Boss Todd Bodiford said he enjoyed meeting with individuals from the local communities.

“We stick to the dirt roads to provide kids and families an opportunity to watch the wagons pass-by,” said Bodiford.

The riders average between 15 and 23 miles per day, traveling approximately 190 miles, to reach the capital city.
Wagons embark from all areas as the cowboys and cowgirls make their way from campsite to campsite.

Wagon Master Donny Wall, Bodiford and the “die hard bunch” started their ride from Boaz on a 10-day ride to Montgomery with head scout G.L. Stevenson surveying routes ahead.

“This is my 6th year on the wagon trail,” said Wall. “We really appreciate all of the nice people letting us camp like this.”

During the trek, night-time camp fires served as reminders of cattle-drives in days past as riders drank from water-coolers telling cowboy stories while entertaining guests with jokes and music.

Two separate wagon trains converged on Tuesday, March 9 at Morningwood Farms and will arrive at the Montgomery Coliseum to participate in the annual rodeo.

The second group, headed by Morris Daugherty and Jerry Thompson embarked from St. Stephens last Saturday with the goal of riding from capital to capital.

St. Stephens, during a brief period of time, served as the location for an American fort, trading post and as capital of the Alabama Territory between the 1790s and 1820s.

Posted on the sides of the wagons in Daugherty’s party were signs supporting the Relay-4-Life.

“We are raising as much as we can for the Relay-4-Life to help those in need,” said Daugherty.

Relay-4-Life is a program hosted by the American Cancer Society to raise funds for people who have been diagnosed with and are battling cancer.