From the FCS Book of Little-Known Facts (covered wagon)

A covered wagon on the Oregon Trail

In the 19th century families made their way west to start a new life and find their fortunes. Many of them traveled through the southwest and towards the Pacific in covered wagons. Because families couldn’t go back and forth between their old place and their new home they used their covered wagons to pack everything they owned and start going.

In this era there were multiple types of covered wagons, but it’s the prarie schooner that’s the most well known wagon. Because horses were so expensive in this era most covered wagons were pulled by a mule or oxen. These early vehicles were built strong and sturdy to make it all the way across the country.

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