Camel Races. The Fast and the Feral

Earlier today, a friend reminded me of a long standing promise I had made. The promise? To accompany her to the Camel Races outside Reno, NV this year. (Yes, they exist, and yes, we're aware how awesome that is. And no, we aren't bringing you a t-shirt).
Back to the point though.
FERAL CAMELS!!!!
Actually, this isn't the point either, however, I highly suggest that this is something you Google. Or Wikipedia or whatever your method of finding things out is. Unless it's picking up the "F" volume of an encyclopedia Britannica. Because I'm pretty certain that there's nothing in there about feral camels. Though I can't be certain. Who actually has encyclopedias anymore?
Ok ok, so you're getting tired. You'd like me to get to the point. To the interesting fact of the moment.
Right?
Here it is- directly copied from the Wikipedia article:
"The U.S. Camel Corps was a mid-nineteenth century experiment by the United States Army in using camels as pack animals in the Southwest United States."

Take a moment. Let this sink in.
CAMEL corps. Military operations, in AMERICA, being conducted on camel. Not quite the image you had in mind of our military right? Even for the 1850's.
Now for my favorite line of the article:
"On March 3, 1855, the US Congress appropriated $30,000 for the project. Major Henry C. Wayne, was assigned to procure the camels."

Alright, put yourself in Major Wayne's shoes. You're in the military. You've signed on to kill things, with guns, in the name of defending your country, your inalienable rights, and all that. (No, not taking a stab or belittling the military. Cut me some slack here).
Anyway, It's March 3rd 1855, a Saturday. A Saturday? What? Anyway, you're probably annoyed to be receiving an assignment on a Saturday. But then you open it, and read it.
"Find us some camels."
Ok. Me, I'm thinking BEST. ASSIGNMENT. EVER.
But that's me.
Major Wayne though? Most American's, in their right mind, would be pissed. He's signed on to defend and serve, and he's asked to find camels? Camels? In that day and age?
But, and here is the most incredible part---
HE DOES IT!!!!
Granted it takes him over a year. And he's literally got to cross oceans, and battle raging seas to bring them back. But he succeeds! Total success. High fives all around.

All of which brings me to the following conclusions:
1. The military might have access to secret camel black markets.
2. There's a possibility that feral camels are roaming the Southwest
3. I need to book tickets to the Camel Races



You're welcome. That's your random factoid for the day.