3056 x 4592 px | 25,9 x 38,9 cm | 10,2 x 15,3 inches | 300dpi
Data acquisizione:
agosto 2011
Ubicazione:
Cavalry Barracks, Fort Laramie Historic Site, Wyoming, United States
Altre informazioni:
Prairie Schooners were smaller than those depicted in Hollywood films. They were narrower and much lighter than freight wagons. Oxen, slower than horses and mules, but with greater stamina were the preferred draft animals. The bodies were made of hardwood, with wheels and axles reinforced with iron fittings. Hickory bows along the frame held the cloth canopy in place. Toolboxes and drinking-water barrels were attached to the wagon box. A grease bucket dangled from underneath the back. Wagons carried food, cooking utensils, bedding, firearms, medicine, bandages, lanterns, sewing supplies and a minimal amount of clothing. Furniture was left behind or eventually abandoned along the trail. Between 1861 and 1866, 350, 000 people crossed the Missouri, west-bound for new homes in Oregon, California or Utah. In 1841 the first of many west-bound wagon-trains arrived at Fort Laramie (then a privately owned fur-trading post called Fort John) and the traders did a brisk seasonal business catering for the needs of the emigrants.
