The term ‘riding shotgun’
was used to describe the guard who had the job of riding alongside a stagecoach
driver as he made his run and yes, he usually carried a shotgun for protection…often
through unfriendly territory…the guard was ready to use his shotgun to ward off
outlaws…or marauding Indians...these Indians were after guns or even whiskey
that might be being transported…they had no use for money and rarely stole any…many
of these guards were injured or killed while doing their job…protecting
passengers… strongboxes full of gold, cash, or other valuables…when the term is
used these days, it’s not quite that dramatic…it merely refers to sitting
alongside the driver in a moving vehicle.
