1919 General Motors Truck Company Advertisement, "1 GMC; 1 Driver, Displace 16 Horses; 4 Drivers; 4 Wagons"

Horse-drawn delivery wagons remained in use well into the 1920s -- particularly in smaller towns and rural areas. But this advertisement for GMC trucks explains why they ultimately disappeared. Once roads were sufficiently improved, horse-drawn wagons simply could not compete with motorized trucks. While they might cost more up front, trucks were significantly less expensive to operate and maintain over time.