Trump stagecoach makes stop in Plains
The Trump Stagecoach passed through Montana last Friday. (Chuck Bandel/Valley Press)
By CHUCK BANDEL
Valley Press
The national campaign to “ride the Trump train,” a slogan meant to encourage support for President Donald J. Trump, took on a distinctly Montana twist Friday in Plains.
Powered by a pair of beautiful draft horses the stagecoach, adorned in American and Trump flags, is part of vision held by owner Gene Bushnell who came up with the tour idea three years ago.
“My friends and I planned a stagecoach ride across Montana along Highway 2 to remind America of our Montana pioneers and their determination to settle the Montana frontier,” Bushnell said during a stop in Plains. “We also want to encourage America to vote for Donald Trump in November. I believe he is God’s choice to keep America great.”
The trip along the highway, also known as the “Hi-Line” began in June in Bushnell’s hometown of Troy, near the Idaho-Montana border. Along the way they have stopped in upwards of 40 towns offering free rides in the classic coach and accepting donations from those who can.
Those donations are used to help offset the costs of the ambitious adventure.
“We did not want to charge anyone but have been grateful for the offers and support we have received along the way,” Bushnell said.
During the Plains stop, a steady stream of residents and tourists stopped for the chance to hop on board for a ride down and back along the railroad tracks that run through the town.
The stagecoach itself is a replica of the 1880 Abbott & Downing Concord. It was built from scratch using oak and iron.
“I’ve talked with many of the settlers over time and listened to their stories of joys and sorrows,” Bushnell said. “They were very remarkable and many of us can be proud of our heritage and the values they instilled in us.”
The coach is hauled between towns atop a flatbed trailer while the horses are transported in a large horse trailer.
“I want to honor our Montana pioneers, including my grandparents, and remind us all of their grace, gumption and grit to settle Montana,” he said. “The timing of this ride is perfect to draw attention to President Trump and remind Montana and our country that under his leadership he has made America great again.”
Bushnell’s Montana roots run deep. His grandparents had a homestead on a ranch southwest of Landusky, a small town in northcentral Montana. His mother was born there in 1913. His father went to school went to school with one of the children of the Kid Curry Gang, an infamous band of outlaws who had a hideout in the Missouri Breaks area.
“The reception we have received along the way has been outstanding,” Bushnell said. “Folks are thrilled to see this stagecoach and we’ve been giving a lot of rides. It’s been a wonderful journey.”