What to Pack?
Part of the challenges of moving west, was to figure out what to pack and what to use as transportation.
One of the most popular choices was the Conestoga Wagon.
Conestoga wagons would help you make your six month journey. People traveled in many types of wagons, but the Conestoga was considered the best and was the most expensive. They used horses, mules, or oxen to pull the wagons. Conestoga wagons were originally developed for hauling freight on the east coast. They were sturdy, well-built wagons suitable for traveling along the Santa Fe or Oregon Trail.
Conestoga's were nicknamed "prairie schooners" because their high, white canvas tops looked like sailing ships as they crossed the seas of grass on the American prairie. The strong, broad wheels allowed the wagons to cross rutted roads, muddy flats, and the non-roads of the prairie. The curved floor was designed to reduce load shifting. Conestoga's were capable of carrying loads up to six tons (1 ton = 2000lbs).
Some of the wagons had a convenience called a "flapp-a-doodle"- a box with shelves for food and cooking utensils- bolted to the rear of the wagons. The back of the box was a hinged door with wooden legs. When the door was lowered, the legs swung down, and the door became a table. The "flapp-a-doodle" was a combination kitchen table and cupboard.
Besides Conestogas, settlers also used common farm wagons with canvas tops supported by wooden arches. Although not as sturdy as Conestoga wagons, these wagons were lighter and easier to pull.
One of the most popular choices was the Conestoga Wagon.
Conestoga wagons would help you make your six month journey. People traveled in many types of wagons, but the Conestoga was considered the best and was the most expensive. They used horses, mules, or oxen to pull the wagons. Conestoga wagons were originally developed for hauling freight on the east coast. They were sturdy, well-built wagons suitable for traveling along the Santa Fe or Oregon Trail.
Conestoga's were nicknamed "prairie schooners" because their high, white canvas tops looked like sailing ships as they crossed the seas of grass on the American prairie. The strong, broad wheels allowed the wagons to cross rutted roads, muddy flats, and the non-roads of the prairie. The curved floor was designed to reduce load shifting. Conestoga's were capable of carrying loads up to six tons (1 ton = 2000lbs).
Some of the wagons had a convenience called a "flapp-a-doodle"- a box with shelves for food and cooking utensils- bolted to the rear of the wagons. The back of the box was a hinged door with wooden legs. When the door was lowered, the legs swung down, and the door became a table. The "flapp-a-doodle" was a combination kitchen table and cupboard.
Besides Conestogas, settlers also used common farm wagons with canvas tops supported by wooden arches. Although not as sturdy as Conestoga wagons, these wagons were lighter and easier to pull.
Now that you have your transportation, you need to choose what to put in it. Remember you are directly traveling with 4 adults and 6 children.
- What animal will you choose to pull your Conestoga wagon?
- What animal will you choose to pull your Conestoga wagon?
You have $300 to your name. That is all the money your family and your siblings family has combined. That needs to last you all the way to Oregon. Using the information provided below.
In your journal:
You need to create your supply list. This includes any animals needed for food or carrying purposes.
(Remember, your wagon can carry the maximum of 6 tons.)
In your journal:
You need to create your supply list. This includes any animals needed for food or carrying purposes.
(Remember, your wagon can carry the maximum of 6 tons.)