The Bicentennial Wagon Train

Photo: Wagonmaster Bud Pena, from California, in front of the New Mexico wagon and mule team.

From The New Mexican, March 14, 1976.  Chicanos Protest Wagon Train Visit

... Protestors followed the train and staged a peaceful demonstration which included a skit presented by the Teatro Collectivo . ...

From SEERS, March 26-April 9, 1976 Bicentennial Wagon Train Promotes Big Business.

The Wagon train was the idea of Thelma Gray, vice-president in charge of public relations for the Aitkin-Kynett advertising agency in Philadelphia. ... (I)t isn't surprising that the presentation by the Wagon Train in Las Vegas sounded like a commercial for Elmer's Glue.  It was a commercial soaked in the Stars and Stripes, selling its products; the most important of which is the image of the American corporation as benevolent, honest, and synonymous with freedom.   

... It's another gimmick to sell products and peddle the Disneyland version of American history being taught by the schools and the media.  It promotes a mythology designed to keep people in the role of passive consumers, ignorant of the true history of the U.S., a mythology that is all too effective.

One of the hired hands of the Wagon Train, when confronted by the angry Chicano demonstrators remarked, "I guess there must be a lot of discrimination around here."  Someone in the crowd shouted back, "Yeah, and it's been going on for two hundred years."

Comments

[tom okeefe]

I was on that wagon train. I'm the last wagon in the picture. That was a long time ago. I was an independant and started in tucson. I have photos and i have short movie. I had a great old wagon that brings back good memories. sorry if it upset anybody. I was 24 and looking for another adventure. After the las vegas think i traveled alone. Left at Santa Fe and traveled to Kansis city alone on back roads. Rehooked with main train their for the rest of the journey. tom

[Suzie]

where can I find more pictuers of the 1976 wagon train mainly that went through Athens michigan?

[David Hutchinson]

I, too, was involved with the BWTP, serving as Advance Coordinator in New Mexico. Bud Pena, the Wagonmaster, truly fit the role and did a wonderful job. I would love to see Tom O'Keefe's photos and short movie of that once in a lifetime experience!

[Jody Ricks]

My father hosted the east coast bicentennial wagon train (that went to Valley Forge ) at Circle M Ranch in Lancaster, PA.

[coco]

I rode from Rodeo, NM to Trinidad Colorado with my father on two grey part-arabs named Saudi and Shama.

[suzanne dyas]

I was 11 yrs old on that wagon train I remember alot but want more info from anyone who was on that train please e-mail me at liveindead@yahoo.com my e-maile is just a song title from a fav band so please dont judge me on a name.

thx Suzie

[mike finney]

i was in the 1976 wagon train as a kid. my mom carried the flag into valley forge . i would love to find pictures of this. if you can help please email me @ finneym65@yahoo.com

[paul kirkeminde]

I was on the southern route and had just got out of the Green Berets. i was always looking for fun on the train and did not keep any pictures. I am from Crossville TN and Cookeville is where we picked up the train--we thought we were just going to ride for a day!!!! hahahaha-- it lasted for 2 1/2 more months. Our wagonmaster was Col. Toby out of New Mex. I had a great time and although i was pretty much a drunken kid at the time,,,[the Lord fixed that 4 years ago] i had one of the best times of my life,,,i sure hope i am around for the next RIDE!!!!! Any pictures>>> please send to my email---paul

[Bill Steward]

I rode with JB Hampton on the Southern Train. I rode from outside Bristol, Tenn to Valley Forge, I was 17 at the time. I remember Col Toby well and Mooney Lynn, lots of beautiful scenery and lots of wild parties.

[SEAN VAN NIMAN]

I was on the wagon train as a kid from northern PA through Tannersville and Bartonsville to Valley Forge..the only pic I know of is hanging on the wall in the Tannersville Inn..My mom ended up being an outrider for th PA state wagon on a Tennessee walker./.Great times...