Oxbow Wagons & Coaches, nestled in the heart of Canyon City, Oregon, stands as a testament to the enduring allure of horse-drawn vehicles. There one will find a rich history, remarkable products, and unwavering commitment to preserving a bygone era.

Founded by Jim and Mary Jensen over 30 years ago, Oxbow Trade Co. embraces the values of craftsmanship, tradition, and community. Jim has been fascinated with horse-drawn vehicles since his childhood when his father bought a horse that was harnessable. Being in an historical area in Southern Wisconsin with a lot of horsedrawn buggies and other vehicles, his interest and collection grew. Their Oregon journey began in the beautiful Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon, where they relocated from Wisconsin, moving out here with over 100 different items, mostly buggies, wagons, and sleighs. Oxbow specializes in buying, selling, and restoring a diverse array of horse-drawn vehicles.

Their inventory includes covered wagons, iconic symbols of the American frontier, farm wagons, buckboards, sleighs, carriages, hearses, and stagecoaches with Wells Fargo, Overland, and Butterfield models. Oxbow’s commitment to excellence shines through their meticulously restored and new horse-drawn vehicles. Many components are Amish-made, reflecting pride in craftsmanship and durability. Their harnesses, too, uphold the same standards. They also source some of their repair and restoration items from the Amish community in Northern Indiana and Wisconsin and from Canada.

Visitors to Canyon City can explore Oxbow’s Consignment Shop. The shop houses antique vehicles alongside an array of Western memorabilia. From weather vanes to do-dads, it’s a treasure trove for enthusiasts. They do encourage visitors, but please call first (541-575-2911). The Jensens attend carriage auctions nationwide, unearthing unique pieces. They connect carriage owners with their dream vehicles, whether it’s a butcher wagon, a lumber wagon, or a gravel wagon. Appraisals and personalized service are part of their commitment.

The Jensens consider anyone who loves horse-drawn vehicles to be rather unique. Through their business, they’ve met fascinating people and shared in their passion. Now 80 years old, Jim has his building for sale, but, as he says, “I’m in no rush. I like coming in here every day.” And, if someone buys the building, Jim stated that he would probably rent the north end, because it is full of his myriad vehicles.

Walk into Jim and Mary’s shop on any given day, you might encounter wedding vehicles, wagonettes that carry anywhere from four to ten passengers, and a horse-drawn hearse, along with almost 100 wood wheels, covered wagon bows, canvases, and horse collars and harnesses. However, most of their clientele come from the far corners of the globe through their beautiful and well-curated website, https://www.oxbowwagonsandcoaches.com, which attracts customers from as far away as New Zealand. Jim consults with the client, helps with design, sussing out their exact need in great detail, and then outsources the work to one of his many suppliers and craftspeople.

Oxbow Wagons & Coaches weaves together history, craftsmanship, and a love for the timeless elegance of horse-drawn transportation. Mary and Jim Jensen delight in sharing their love and enthusiasm for this cherished slice of the past and their legacy rides on, bridging the past and present.