Stagecoaches were horse-drawn vehicles used for public transportation in the 18th and 19th centuries. They typically carried passengers and mail over long distances, connecting towns and cities. Stagecoaches were designed for comfort and speed, often featuring a covered top and seating for several passengers. These coaches traveled established routes, stopping at designated waypoints known as stages for rest and to change horses. The use of stagecoaches declined with the advent of the railroad and later automobiles, but they remain an iconic symbol of early American travel and exploration.