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Garry France
On Jan. 2, 1986, the Texas Sesquicentennial Wagon Train pulled out of Sulphur Springs on a celebratory circuit for the state’s 150th anniversary.
Practically a traveling city, the wagon train was populated by pioneer-spirited individuals, couples and families, along with a school, an infirmary, several veterinarians, farriers, and other important members who would share in the history-making road trip. Directing the lead wagon and the massive mounted party following it was Garry France, a native of the North Hopkins community, and lifelong horse and mule trainer. France was sanctioned “the Official Wagon master for the State of Texas,” a distinction he would add to his list of equine-related accomplishments. Thirty-eight years later, France still looks back on the experience with amazement.
“It was in 1983 and I had just come back to Hopkins County, after working as foreman of the Wagon Wheel Ranch in Lampasas County. I'd read an AP story in the local newspaper that the Texas Sesquicentennial Commission was looking for ideas to celebrate the state’s birthday. I thought about it for a little while, then called them on the phone and asked, ‘What about a wagon train? That’s how our forefathers and everybody got here anyway.’ Well, in a day or two I got a phone call back asking me to come to Austin and explain my suggestion to the Sesquicentennial Committee. And, so I did. They thought it was a good idea and on Nov. 3, 1983, we were officially sanctioned as the Texas Sesquicentennial Wagon Train with a non-profit status and a board of directors. And that’s when the work really began.”
During the six-month trek, the wagon train passed through numerous towns, large and small. France described what he did in preparation for the trip.
“We began going to all the towns that were mapped out for us to pass through and meeting with city fathers about the sites where our large contingency would camp, the layovers and the water stops, as well as the parades and celebrations they were planning,” France said. That became a two-and-a-half-year process.
On Jan. 2, 1986, following the festivities in Sulphur Springs, the lead wagon rolled out to meet the wagons lined up and waiting on County Road 2316. The long line of wagons and riders then traveled east on Highway 11 to the first night’s campsite Como-Pickton school.
“People lined the roadway as we arrived. The people were just so welcoming and so generous to us.” France said.
Overall, the wagon train camped at 170 different stops around the state, for a total of 3,228 miles in all. Each day, the group started out at daylight, and then made camp before dark each night.
The wagon train was assisted when needed by law enforcement in the various counties.
France explained how being wagon master also helped him master public speaking.
“After I became wagon master, I quickly realized this country boy was out of his league in that skill, yet, it would be my obligation all along the trail,” he noted. “So, each evening, when the newspapers and radio stations sent reporters out to interview us and take our pictures, as spokesperson I’d deliver a positive speech - no matter what hazards the day had brought.”
During the journey, France recalled, there were a few team runaways and horseback incidents as might be expected, as well as some injuries and illnesses requiring medical attention. Sadly, there was one death that occurred.
France recollects some high notes, too. One of the 28 students in the Wagon Train School who was a senior had her high school graduation on the trail. And, two of the riders wanted to get married, so a wagon train wedding was held once they reached Abilene.
From January to July 1986, the train continued in every kind of weather, going as far east as Marshall, as far south as Kingsville, as far west as El Paso, and as far north as Amarillo. The six-month wagon ride ended on July 3, 1986, at Main Street and Exchange Avenue in Cowtown, Fort Worth. “Talk about a celebration, that was one for the record books! I have to say, because of the sincerity, the generosity, and the love shown by the people of Texas, it is all a wonderful memory and a true blessing to have done it.”
To commemorate the occasion, a time capsule was buried beneath the Texas-shaped granite stone near the Hopkins County AgriLife Extension office. It is slated to be opened in 2036, during the state’s bicentennial celebration.
Today, France and his wife Carol have become mule riders, and trail ride every chance they get. He still trains mules despite having lost his eyesight due to retinitis pigmentosa, a rare degenerative disease. Even with the disability, France feels his life is blessed by the Western way of life, by his wife of 32 years, his ranch, and their church family at Cross Country Cowboy Church.
“I didn’t come away with many photographs, but it’s all recorded very clearly in my memory. I don’t know how long I have to keep doing what I’m doing, but I am proud the Lord has given me these years, even with blindness. I will take all He gives me, and say ‘Thank you, Sir,’” France concluded.