Published: October 11, 2008 10:42 pm            

Historical Treasure: Westward go the wagons

Conestoga wagons were very high off the ground with both ends of the box built to curve up so that freight did not fall out when going up or down steep grades. Travelers going west did not use them as they were too expensive, needed more animals to pull them, and were too hard to control. Conestoga wagons were used by freight haulers.

Pioneers used covered wagons. These were small farm wagons that were outfitted with the best technology for the time. The undercarriage was centered on a kingpin to allow the front wheels to pivot. Wheels were also designed for efficiency. Some travelers took two sets of wheel rims: wide ones that were more efficient in mud and sand and a set of narrower rims for hard surfaces. Other travelers, to save room, chose to make a wheel that was of medium width and hoped the width chosen would be sufficient for the conditions of all roads. Front and back wheels were different sizes; those in front were smaller than those on the back, which helped make sharp turns. Wooden ribs were attached to the box to hold a large cotton canvas or woven hemp cover treated with linseed oil to help protect their precious possessions. The ends of the material were drawn shut to keep out the ever present dust. The wagon box averaged 4-feet-by-10-feet. All this was anchored on massive axles.

The outside of the box was utilized, also. The two most important items were the hardwood breaks and a bucket holding the axle grease (a mixture of animal fat and tar). Other items attached to the outside were a tool box, a water barrel, and hooks for the wash tub, cooking pots and pans, pails, and other important utensils. The wagon seat was a piece of wood that fit in a groove and could be removed to be used as a table.

Once the wagons were loaded with as much as a ton of cargo which included food, tools, household goods and furniture, they were ready to go. The larger the family, the heavier the load would be. A family of 4 would need around 1,000 pounds of food for the 2,000 mile journey. The covered wagon could hold around 11/2 tons.

The Historical Treasure for this week is a small replica of a covered wagon. It is part of an exhibit in the lower level with other pioneer artifacts.

        

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