2018.031.002 [Tombstone]

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.