A stagecoach is a type of horse-drawn vehicle that was commonly used in the 18th and 19th centuries for long-distance travel. It typically had a closed body to protect passengers from the elements and was pulled by a team of horses. Stagecoaches were an important mode of transportation before the advent of railroads and automobiles, connecting towns and cities across vast distances. Stagecoaches often operated on scheduled routes, stopping at designated waypoints for passengers to board or disembark. They played a crucial role in the development of the American West, facilitating trade and communication. Famous routes included the Butterfield Overland Mail and the California Trail, which helped shape the expansion of the United States.