Prior to the chuckwagon, cowboys relied on eating whatever was in their saddle bags. In 1866, Charles Goodnight took a Army wagon and added a pantry box to the rear, knowing his crew worked harder on a full stomach. This became known as the chuckwagon and was the first one in Colorado. 

The cook, or "Cookie", was not only relied on for food but also acted as dentist, doctor, Barber, Bankers, and letter writer. Cookie had a reputation of being ill tempered as he received little sleep.  His morning started by making coffee and sourdough biscuits before the rest of the crew woke up.