American Locomotive Company Advertisement, "ALCO Motor Trucks, What do Your Horses Cost?" January 25, 1912

Horse-drawn delivery wagons remained in use well into the 1920s -- particularly in smaller towns and rural areas. But this advertisement for ALCO 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.