Getting Around in the 19th Century

by Kimberly Keagan
June 7, 2025
Before automobiles filled city streets and trolleys buzzed through town squares, the sound of carriage wheels and the gentle clip-clop of horses signaled the approach of both the fashionable and the practical. In the 1800s, carriages weren’t just transportation—they were a reflection of status, lifestyle, and region. Whether one was heading to church, calling on a neighbor, making deliveries, or arriving at a formal event, the chosen carriage spoke volumes.
Carriages of Refinement and Leisure
The Barouche
Elegant and spacious, the barouche was ideal for formal occasions and typically drawn by two horses. With two double seats facing each other and a collapsible hood, it was often used by families of means for church outings, weddings, and seasonal drives.

(Photo credits: www.thecarriagefoundation.org.uk, www.horseyhooves.com, www.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/hampton)
The Brougham
A four-wheeled, enclosed carriage designed by Lord Brougham, this practical vehicle offered privacy and protection from the weather. Drawn by a single horse, it became a favorite among city dwellers needing reliable personal transportation.

(Photo credits: www.johnnybrunt.com, www.gailthornton.co.uk, www.pinterest.com)
The Landau
With its dual folding hoods and ample seating, the landau was often reserved for formal events. Drawn by four horses, it balanced luxury and visibility, making it a popular choice for parades, weddings, and state occasions.

(Photo credits: www.thecarriagefoundation.org, www.horsedrawnoccasions.co.uk, www.pinterest.com)
The Phaeton
A phaeton is a form of sporty open carriage popular in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century. This lightweight, open carriage was often used for leisure rides in the country. Drawn by one or two horses, it was known for its speed and stylish appearance. It could be driven by either men or women and suggested a measure of independence and confidence. This carriage would be familiar to all you Regency romance fans! Jane Austen mentioned the phaeton in several of her novels, though more commonly as a symbol of youthful recklessness or social status than practical use.

(Photo credits: www.thecarriagefoundation.org, www.pinterest.com)
The Victoria
Named after Queen Victoria, this fashionable open carriage featured a low body, a forward-facing seat for passengers, and a raised driver’s seat. Ideal for pleasant drives in good weather, it was a common sight in parks and boulevards. The folding top offered shade while still allowing visibility.

(Photo credits: www.pinterest.com, www.thecarriagefoundation.org, www.newheritagefarm.com)
Carriages for Hire: The Urban Workhorses
The Cabriolet
Originating in France and later popularized in London and New York, the cabriolet was a light, two-wheeled vehicle with a folding hood and room for two passengers. It led to the term "cab" and was used widely for hire. Driven by a cabman and often accompanied by a small servant known as a "tiger" who stood on a platform in the back of the cab, the cabriolet was a stylish choice for well-off bachelors in earlier decades but eventually became a practical hire vehicle in larger cities.

The cabriolet in the photo on the right is one of only three original cabriolets believed to have survived in Britain. It is part of the Science Museums collections and on loan to Arlington Court.

(Photo credits: www.pinterest.com, www.shannondonnelly.com, www.thecarriagefoundation.org)
The Hansom Cab
Widely used in American and European cities, the hansom cab was a two-wheeled, covered carriage with the driver seated high in the rear. It replaced the cabriolet as the hired carriage of choice as it was safer and could carry more than one passenger. It offered quick, affordable transportation and was especially popular in bustling urban centers.

(Photo credits: www.vintage.es, www.horseyhooves.com)
The Omnibus
The omnibus carriage, also known as a horse-drawn omnibus, was a large, enclosed vehicle used for passenger transport in the 19th century before motor vehicles became common. It typically featured benches for passengers facing each other and was a popular means of public transportation in cities like Paris and London.

(Photo credits: www.flickr.com, www.pinterest.com)
The Stagecoach
Americans often associate the stagecoach with the Old West—dusty trails, long-distance mail routes, and dramatic arrivals at frontier towns (like my character Bridget in Heart of Hope!). The stagecoach, however, first appeared on Britain's roads in the 16th century. It was the most popular mode of transport for people and goods in Britain in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The stagecoach was a four-wheeled, enclosed carriage built to carry multiple passengers and luggage. It operated on set routes and schedules and was a key part of early public transportation, especially in areas lacking rail service.

(Photo credits: i.pinimg.com, www.southamheritage.org, www.carriagemuseum.org)
Carriages in the American West
Transportation needs in the American West required more rugged and versatile vehicles.
  • The Buggy—A lightweight, open carriage with seating for one or two, the buggy was practical, affordable, and often used for everyday travel in rural and frontier towns. It was usually drawn by a single horse and easy to maintain.
  • The Buckboard—Similar to a buggy but more basic in design, the buckboard had a flat, springy floor and was favored for its durability on rough roads. It could carry goods as well as passengers and was commonly seen in farm and ranch settings.
  • The Stagecoach (Western Style)—Larger and more heavily constructed than their urban counterparts, Western stagecoaches were vital for mail delivery and long-distance travel across undeveloped regions. They required multiple horses or mules and could carry passengers, mailbags, and freight.

(Photo credits: www.britannica.com, www.pinterest.com, www.horseyhooves.org)
Whether drawn by a single horse or a matched team of four, carriages in the 19th century reflected the values and necessities of their time. From the grand avenues of the city to the dusty roads of the frontier, these horse-drawn vehicles shaped how people connected, celebrated, and simply got around. Their graceful lines and rhythmic motion remain symbols of a bygone era—and the inspiration behind more than one romantic tale.