History and Mission
The need for good roads through the mountains connecting East Tennessee and Western North Carolina was the purpose in organizing the wagon train, which was originally known as the Tellico to Murphy Wagon Train. The train began in 1958 as a trek across the mountains from Tellico Plains, Tennessee to Murphy, North Carolina.
To the surprise of most everyone, interest mounted and people came from all around to join in. The group left Tellico Plains on an early morning late in June. They were greeted by a host of spectators all along the route, and on the 4th of July, 67 wagons and 325 horseback riders were welcomed in Murphy by a cheering crowd of thousands. The next year and for five consecutive years, the train used the same route.
Enthusiasm became contagious and interest spread so far that various routes have been traveled throughout the mountains, always ending with a parade in a designated town to which they have been invited, to join in the 4th of July celebration. Traditionally, every five years, the train travels the original route from Tellico to Murphy.
Recently, due to Campgrounds and Routes being harder to get, the Wagon Train has stayed in Andrews, NC and has Paraded in Andrews on the 4th of July.
In 1963, the train became incorporated as a non-profit corporation. Western North Carolina Wagon Train, Incorporated, with headquarters in Andrews, North Carolina. The WNC Wagon Train, Inc. is governed by a board of directors which is made up of members from Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Macon, Swain counties in North Carolina and from East Tennessee, Alabama and North Georgia.
In 2004, the organization officially expanded their original mission statement to include encouragement and promotion of fair treatment of equine livestock. This is accomplished through practice, education, and enrichment programs. Membership is open to individuals who share the goals and mission of the organization and abide by all rules and regulations thereof.
This year is our 64th Year as one of the Longest Running Wagon Train in the Nation.
To the surprise of most everyone, interest mounted and people came from all around to join in. The group left Tellico Plains on an early morning late in June. They were greeted by a host of spectators all along the route, and on the 4th of July, 67 wagons and 325 horseback riders were welcomed in Murphy by a cheering crowd of thousands. The next year and for five consecutive years, the train used the same route.
Enthusiasm became contagious and interest spread so far that various routes have been traveled throughout the mountains, always ending with a parade in a designated town to which they have been invited, to join in the 4th of July celebration. Traditionally, every five years, the train travels the original route from Tellico to Murphy.
Recently, due to Campgrounds and Routes being harder to get, the Wagon Train has stayed in Andrews, NC and has Paraded in Andrews on the 4th of July.
In 1963, the train became incorporated as a non-profit corporation. Western North Carolina Wagon Train, Incorporated, with headquarters in Andrews, North Carolina. The WNC Wagon Train, Inc. is governed by a board of directors which is made up of members from Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Macon, Swain counties in North Carolina and from East Tennessee, Alabama and North Georgia.
In 2004, the organization officially expanded their original mission statement to include encouragement and promotion of fair treatment of equine livestock. This is accomplished through practice, education, and enrichment programs. Membership is open to individuals who share the goals and mission of the organization and abide by all rules and regulations thereof.
This year is our 64th Year as one of the Longest Running Wagon Train in the Nation.
