Conestoga Wagon
Description
The Conestoga wagon was a heavy-duty freight wagon developed in then Conestoga Valley near Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It was primarily used in the eastern part of the U.S.
Characteristics
- Could carry several tons of supplies and gear
- Between 8 and 13 bows with accompanying bow staple hardware
- Covered top to protect freight
- Raked or flared end gate designs
- Feed box
- Linch pin wheels
- Tool box on the left side
- Extra side rails
- Bed was bowed upward to keep freight from shifting
Bibliography
Recommended Reading
- “The Old Pike – A History of the National Road” by T.B. Seawright (1894)
- “Conestoga Six Horse Bell Teams” by John Omwake (1930)
- “Conestoga Wagon, 1750-1850” by George Shumway, Edward Durell, & Howard C. Frey (1964, 1966, 1968)
- “Conestoga Wagon – Masterpiece of the Blacksmith” by Arthur L. Reist, copyright 1975.
- “The Adventures of a Waggon Tracker” by Franklin A. Zirkle, copyright 2005.
- “The Conestoga Wagon, Ship of Inland Commerce” by Harry S. Hill – pamphlet copyright 1930 and 1958
