The Import of Camels to the South

When conjuring up images of animals in the Wild West, our minds often turn to the iconic horses and cattle that were prevalent during that era. However, delving into the lesser-known annals of Wild West history unveils a truly captivating fact: camels once roamed parts of the United States. Yes, you read that right, camels!

The driving force behind this peculiar introduction was none other than Jefferson Davis, who believed camels could revolutionize the transportation of goods westward. In 1855, the government embarked on an audacious endeavor, importing 75 camels and relocating them to Camp Verde, Texas. Initially, these majestic beasts played a pivotal role in facilitating journeys to San Antonio. Yet, the outbreak of the Civil War marked the twilight of their unique presence in the American West.