Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Tombstone |
Source |
Mahaska County Historical Society/Nelson Pioneer Farm and Museum |
Iowa History Era Tag |
Statewide Settlement (1869-1896) |
Chronological Tag |
The Development of the Industrial United States (1870-1900) |
Catalog Number |
2018.031.002 |
Credit line |
Nelson Pioneer Farm and Museum - Oskaloosa, Iowa |
Description |
This is the grave of Becky the mule, who served in the American Civil War as an artillery transport mule for the Union Army. According to records, Becky was bought by Daniel Nelson at an auction in the town of Centerville in 1865 along with another white mule named Jennie. The two would be branded with the letters "U.S." to denote their service in the United States Army and would go on to pull artillery pieces and supply wagons during the war. Becky died in 1888 at the age of 34 and was buried by the Nelson family on their plot, making her part of the only known mule cemetery in the state of Iowa. This content can be used with the following resources: SS.4.25: Technological Change This content can be used to educate students on how transport and logistics technology evolved during the 19th century. Until the advent of mechanization, horses and mules were widely used in both Iowa and the world to pull supply wagons, carts, and implements of war to their various destinations. The content can be used to demonstrate the evolution of this technological chagne. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item for any copyright restrictions. |
Primary/Secondary Source |
Significant - Local |
County Tag |
Mahaska |
People |
Nelson, Daniel |
Subjects |
Civil War Cemeteries Animals Tomb War U.S. Army |
Classification |
Cemeteries Military U.S. Army War American |
Relation |
Show Related Records... |
Multimedia Links |
Click here to view/hear the file. |
Search Terms |
Civil War Animals Burial Cemeteries Cemetery Mules U.S. Army War |
Legal Status |
Copyright to this resource is held by the Mahaska County Historical Society and has been provided here for educational purposes only, specifically for use in the Iowa Museum Association's "Teaching Iowa History" project. It may not be downloaded, reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission from the Rights Holder. For more information on U.S. and International copyright laws, consult an attorney. |
