WNC Wagon Train doesn’t roll out of Andrews anymore

  • This picture was taken on the 50th Anniversary of the Western North Carolina Wagon Train in 2007. Shown (from left) are Dick Higdon, Tony Burrell, Steve Mintz, Jack Mintz, Margaret Wilson and Donald Ray Luther.
    This picture was taken on the 50th Anniversary of the Western North Carolina Wagon Train in 2007. Shown (from left) are Dick Higdon, Tony Burrell, Steve Mintz, Jack Mintz, Margaret Wilson and Donald Ray Luther.
  • Capt. Frank Swan was the Wagon Master in 1963 after the Wagon Train became incorporated and headquartered in Andrews. He also commanded the train in 1964. He led the organization of the Andrews Troop of Cavalry in 1917 and became captain of the 30th Division.
    Capt. Frank Swan was the Wagon Master in 1963 after the Wagon Train became incorporated and headquartered in Andrews. He also commanded the train in 1964. He led the organization of the Andrews Troop of Cavalry in 1917 and became captain of the 30th Division.
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    For the first time in 60 years, the Wagon Train did not roll out of Andrews, with the exception, of the trips from Tellico to Murphy made periodically during this time on certain dates to honor the original trek. This historical event has been part of the history of western North Carolina since 1958. It began as a protest for better roads between Tennessee and North Carolina.

    For the first five years, the wagon train rolled out of Tellico Plains, under the command of Wagon Master G.C. Frye, followed by Wagon Master Ed Frye for the next four years. Then in 1963, the train became incorporated as a nonprofit corporation and was headquartered in Andrews.

    The wagons rolled out of Andrews in 1963 under the command of Capt. Frank Swan, who held that position for the first two trips, then turned the reins over to Jeff Brooks in 1965 and 1966. Richard Waldroup was the Wagon Master for the 1968 and 1969 trek. Bill Swan and Donald Ray Luther were other Andrews Wagon Masters, just to name a few.

    I remember my Aunt Helen and Uncle Harold loading up all the kids and driving us through the wagon train to see all the horses. When the trip took them over Tatham Gap, we would get up early to watch all the horses and wagons go by. The cowboys on horseback were always so nice and thanked us for coming out. I especially remember Dick Higdon and his brothers who took the time to stop a minute to talk.

    Vincent Parker was an icon on the wagon train, and all the children loved him. My daughter rode with him on his wagon a couple of times for the first day. He was all about making children feel special. And there were a lot of families who traveled long distances here with their children to participate in the wagon train.

    I was on the board of the Andrews Chamber of Commerce with Bill Moore, Judy Brooks, Jerry Cox and others for several years, and we supported the Wagon Train with a poor man’s supper to feed those camped on Jerry Cox’s land adjacent to the Valley River Convenience. We also decided to have a program at the campsite to give trophies for the oldest cowboy, best pair of mules, most beautiful horse, youngest cowboy/cowgirl, those who traveled the longest distance and many more.

    I have always thought it was imperative to keep the wagon train in Andrews. It was an important part of our history that some of the best families in the Andrews Valley were involved in. People came from miles around to join in the historic trek and enjoy the mountains and the natural beauty of our area.

    Maureen Callahan used to drive from Florida with her children – Julie, Shawn and Kelly – to participate in the Wagon Train. “I brought my children to experience a historical wagon train where we moved from camp to camp and my children met lots of other kids, and their parents and grandparents. I met Vincent Parker who was leading the wagon train, and he showed me another world out there. He made me realize that it was so hard for pioneers to be in a wagon going from camp to camp,” said Maureen.

    She continued, “I just can’t get over Andrews giving up what my kids grew up with. It was the hardest work you have ever done, getting ready for the ride, you have to feed your stock and feed yourself before pulling out. I could not wait to come here in the summertime to go on the wagon train. It brought in revenue to the little town of Andrews. Please bring it back, don’t let it die,” Maureen added.

    That is the sentiment of a lot of people who do not want to see anything else to come to an end in Andrews.

    Margaret Wilson said, “We could have a Wagon Train museum like Tellico Plains. Twenty years ago, myself and other Wagon Train members entertained the idea of buying land for the Wagon Train campsite, which could have been used for other events. I think this is the worst thing that has ever happened by losing the oldest wagon train in the United States.

    “I am disappointed in Andrews for letting this happen.”

    Kandy Barnard is a columnist for the Cherokee Scout. To talk about the Andrews Valley, call her at 828-361-3268 or email kandybarnard@gmail.com.