Chuck wagon was a mess wagon or rolling kitchen that provided food for cowhands trailing herds north from Texas or for roundup crews on Western ranches. The term comes from the slang expression chuck, meaning food or grub.
Two teams of horses usually pulled the chuck wagon, loaded with food, utensils, and bedding. It led the way from camp to camp. Some chuck wagons were farm wagons fitted with shelving and boxes. Others were specially built. A cook could quickly get a meal for 20 cowhands.
