Auto Parts: Running Boards, horse drawn buggy, buggy days

Question
I have a silly question that I have not been able to find an answer for.  When did the "running board" first appear and where did the term running board come from?

I am guessing it is from the wagon days and carried over to auto's then trucks.

Hope you can help,

Thanks,

Johnnie

Answer
johnnie your guess is as good as mine. i would have a clue or even know where to start looking. i mean the very first cars had them but im not sure if thats where they originated or if they are from the horse drawn buggy days. they started off as step boards. why on earth do you care or even want to know this?