Mules-
The mule, a hybrid animal, being a cross between a horse and donkey, was the backbone of civilization for centuries. Pulling traits and physical characteristics from each parent, the mule was made for work. They are a sure footed animal,that are good on the trails, and are really strong, which made them good in the fields, pulling plows and tilling land.
In the early days of America they were used to pull wagon trains,logging,pack animals,mining coal,borax,salt and almost any job when power was needed. They were used in times of war as well, pulling cannons and artillery to battle, and I am certain they were used in the calvary as well.
In those days a mule was a very treasured animal,a key element in survival. If folks couldn’t plant enough food they would starve. They had to use them to pull the logs to build homes, and other structures. The mule was also used to move freight from place to place and make things more available to people in remote areas.
Mules in the Bible-
In biblical times the mule first appears
In the book of Genesis 36:24
When Anah found the mule.
Then in the book of 2 Samuel 18:9
Absalom, David’s son, got hung in the oak tree riding his mule.
King David and all of his sons rode mules. I’m not doing a complete bible study here, but I strongly suggest you open the Good Book, and study it for yourself.
Washington’s mules-
George Washington raised mules at his home at Mt.Vernon.
Spain’s Charles III sent Washington two jacks as a gift but only one of them survived the trip across the Atlantic ocean. Washington ordered his overseer of Mt. Vernon, John Fairfax to bring the jack named ‘Royal Gift’ from Boston, home to Virginia.Washington eager to populate the south with mules, charged a service fee of five guineas per mare. Royal Gift lived at Mt.Vernon from 1785-1793. His death resulted from a bad handler who had driven him too hard and left him lame. He did however sire a son named Compound to carry on his legacy. Fifteen years after receiving, Royal Gift from Spain, Washington had a herd of sixty mules at the Mt. Vernon plantation that were used to plow the fields and pull wagons.
40 acres and a mule-
40 acres and a mule was part of Special Field Orders no. 15, in the year of 1865
The government promised forty acres and a mule to the freed slave families,and as the government often does, it didn’t deliver on its promise. The forty acres and the mule could’ve provided a substantial living for those families in my opinion.
Mules in 21st century-
Though used for centuries and treasured by many the need for a mule faded
when the Industrial Revolution came, and brought the tractor.
In today’s world, very few people use the mule to tend crops, but there are some enthusiasts who still treasure and raise mules. Choice horse shows still have classes dedicated to mules and there are a few mule/donkey shows that are still in operation.
We thank God for all of his amazing animals!
We thank you for listening and sharing!
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