Alabama Bicentennial Wagon Train sparks love story still going strong 50 years later

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - In 1976, as the country marked America’s 200th birthday, a coast-to-coast Bicentennial Wagon Train journey rolled through communities nationwide — including Alabama — before all wagon trains ultimately converged in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania on July 4.

For one Alabama couple, the celebration became something far more personal.

Steve Stabler of Greenville and Deborah Stabler of Elba met in the spring of 1976 while taking part in the Bicentennial Wagon Train’s 35-day trek through Alabama. Steve rode on horseback, helping lead the wagon train, while Deborah handled publicity — promoting stops and events as the wagons moved from Florala and continued north toward Tennessee.

Deborah still remembers the first time she saw him.

“He had the cowboy hat, he had the big belt buckle, he had his boots on — he was nearly six feet tall,” she said.

Steve remembers it a little differently, joking that his first thought was, “Well this is some sorority chick from Alabama!”

Days turned into weeks, and the long hours of wagon train life — early mornings, late nights, and constant work — gave them a chance to really get to know each other.

“You can’t fool somebody for 35 days and the wear and tear of a wagon train,” Deborah said.

As the wagons traveled across Alabama, communities greeted them with celebrations at each stop.

“It was just a wonderful community celebration in every community we camped in,” Deborah said.

By the time the wagon train portion in Alabama ended and was passed off to the next leg, the two said they had built a genuine appreciation for one another — and soon after, they began dating.

Steve admits he took his time before proposing.

“I drug my feet for two years before I actually got her to marry me,” he said.

“He was trying to make up his mind!” Deborah added, laughing.

This year marks 50 years since the couple met. They’ll celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary in August.

“I did make the right decision at that time,” Steve said.

While the Bicentennial Wagon Train is long gone, one reminder stayed with them for decades: the horse Steve rode while leading the wagons. The couple kept him for 25 years. His name was Rip — a lasting piece of the journey that brought them together.

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