FAQ: How To Build A Covered Wagon Plans?

What was the average speed of a covered wagon?

The usual average rate of travel with such wagons on the Oregon Trail was about 2 miles (3.2 km) per hour, and the average distance covered each day was about 15 to 20 miles (24 to 32 km). This was an easy pace for both the pioneers and their animals.

How long did it take to cross the US in a covered wagon?

The covered wagon made 8 to 20 miles per day depending upon weather, roadway conditions and the health of the travelers. It could take up to six months or longer to reach their destination.

How much does a covered wagon cost?

The 3 main parts of the wagon were the bed, under- carriage and cover. They were approximately 10 feet long and 4 feet wide. Wheels had to be ex- tremely tough and were usually made of osage, orangewood or white oak. The average wagon cost approximately $85 and the cover around $100.

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How big was a covered wagon that the pioneers used?

The Conestoga wagon was built with its floor curved upward to prevent the contents from tipping and shifting. Including its tongue, the average Conestoga wagon was 18 feet (5.4 m) long, 11 feet (3.3 m) high, and 4 feet (1.2 m) in width. It could carry up to 12,000 pounds (5,400 kg) of cargo.

Did pioneers sleep in covered wagons?

Some pioneers did sleep in their wagons. Some did camp on the ground—either in the open or sheltered under the wagon. But many used canvas tents. Despite the romantic depictions of the covered wagon in movies and on television, it would not have been very comfortable to travel in or sleep in the wagon.

Why didn’t most pioneers ride in their wagons?

Most pioneers used the typical farm wagon with a canvas cover stretched over hooped frames. An emigrant wagon was not comfortable to ride in, since wagons lacked springs and there was little room to sit inside the wagon because most space was taken up with cargo.

Did they really circle the wagons?

Contrary to the depictions of dime novels and Hollywood Westerns, attacks by the Plains Indians were not the greatest hazard faced by westbound settlers. While pioneer trains did circle their wagons at night, it was mostly to keep their draft animals from wandering off, not protect against an ambush.

How much did it cost to join a wagon train?

The overland journey from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon or California meant a six-month trip across 2,000 miles of hard country. It was costly—as much as $1,000 for a family of four. That fee included a wagon at about $100.

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Why did settlers circle their wagons at night?

At night, wagon trains were often formed into a circle or square for shelter from wind or weather, and to corral the emigrants’ animals in the center to prevent them from running away or being stolen by Native Americans.

How much weight could a covered wagon carry?


Why did they say Wagons ho?

Fires had to be made from dried buffalo dung, or “buffalo chips,” as settlers called them. The travelers usually ate a breakfast of sowbelly (bacon) and slam-johns (flapjacks). At seven each morning, Applegate gave the command, “Wagons ho!” Each wagon had to be in its assigned place at that time.

Why would a family use a covered wagon to travel westward on the Oregon Trail?

By far, the most important item for successful life on the trail was the covered wagon. It had to be sturdy enough to withstand the elements yet small and light enough for a team of oxen or mules to pull day after day. Most wagons were about six feet wide and twelve feet long.

What was the main item that pioneers brought with them in their covered wagons?

The pioneers would take with them as many supplies as possible. They took cornmeal, bacon, eggs, potatoes, rice, beans, yeast, dried fruit, crackers, dried meat, and a large barrel of water that was tied to the side of the wagon. If the pioneers could take a cow, they would.


What did they eat on wagon trains?

Many families took along a milk cow to have fresh milk and butter along the way. As they traveled, they would hunt and fish along the way for antelope, buffalo, deer, elk, rabbit, birds, and trout. Many wagon trains traded with Indians for salmon and vegetables.

How many wagons were usually in a wagon train?

Wagon Trains were composed of up to 200 wagons, though more common were trains of 30 or less wagons. Wagon Trains had large numbers of livestock accompany them. Upwards of 2,000 cattle and 10,000 sheep joined the pioneers in their westward trek.

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