The Bicentennial Wagon Train

Heritage and Heroes

When we are children, we all have heroes that play important parts in our lives. Rick was fortunate to come from a family with strong convictions and patriotism. His grandfather Hulie Revel was a World War One veteran and his father Joe Revel, served during the Korean War. His love for those two men was deep and naturally binding.

His uncle Guy Revel which is seen in the newspaper clipping to the left, sitting on his horse Poco Sugar Bob, was another individual who was very instrumental in shaping Rick's life. Not only was Guy an Army veteran, but he was also a cowboy for two years at King Ranch in Texas. In 1969 Guy would ride horseback from McKenzie, TN to the state capitol in Nashville to deliver an invitation for the McKenzie Centennial Celebration to Govenor Buford Ellington. And yes, the governor attended the event which proved to be a great inspiration for Rick seven years later.

When Rick was twelve years old, he witnessed his Uncle Guy accomplish a grand feat. Seven years later, in 1976, he would set out on the adventure of a lifetime that would dwarf his uncle's one hundred fifty-mile journey to Nashville.

At Memphis, TN, Rick joined the Bicentennial Wagon Train and trekked nearly twelve hundred miles via wagon and horseback. Traveling with the Southern Route Wagon Train that ironically started at King Ranch in Houston, TX, he would ride in the Louisiana state wagon that was driven by Boo Ladeaux. Boo, who was a former Louisiana state rodeo bronc rider, told Rick as long as he helped to feed and hitch his team of mules and sing the Battle of New Orleans every day, Rick could sleep in his wagon. For nearly four months, the prairie schooner wagon was his home.

The Bicentennial Wagon Train

Joe Revel, US Army, Korea

Hulie Revel, US Army, World War I

An essential item for every traveler on the wagon train was to buy a souvenir program that become an instant collector's item.

Rick Performed with the Spirit of 76 Wild West Show for the Bicentennial Wagon Train at Lakeland near Memphis, TN.

Susie the hound dog posed for a picture while Rick tickled the banjo strings next to the Louisiana state wagon which was his home away from home during the trek to Valley Forge.

Rick was included in this national publication that contained the photo to the right and the one next to the Louisiana state wagon.

Rick's friends Tom Destry (left) and Ned Plunk (right) serenade next to a giant Conestoga wagon in Gatlinburg, TN.

Another one of Rick's jobs on the journey was to be an out rider, who's main responsibility was to catch runaway wagons.

Rick spent many hours playing around a campfire entertaining. The photo above is the chuckwagon he also worked for to earn his keep. He peeled allot of potatoes and onions and made sure the cook bus kitchen was clean and ready for the next meal.

While President Gerald Ford spoke at the podium on this stage, Rick stood up in the saddle seat and rode his horse past the Commander and Chief giving a military salute.

Fifty wagons, representing each state, along with the five national event Conestogas and five chuck wagons came to rest on the grounds of Valley Forge, PA, after their long journey.