What was life like in a covered wagon?
Dreary times, wet and muddy, and crowded in the tent, cold and wet and uncomfortable in the wagon no place for the poor children…” Sometimes Amelia Stewart Knight and her family had to sleep “in wet beds, with their wet clothes on, without supper.” Sick or well, Amelia had chores to do; and they were endless.
How long did it take to cross America by wagon?
The wagon train would travel at around two miles an hour. This enabled the emigrants to average ten miles a day. With good weather the 2,000 mile journey from Missouri to California and Oregon would take about five months.
What kind of wagons did pioneers use?
The most common type of pioneer wagon was the “prairie schooner.” These were emigrant wagons. Prairie Schooners were larger and used for shorter distances, and to haul freight as they could carry heavier loads.
How far did a covered wagon travel in a day?
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 many wagons were in a typical 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.
When did wagon trains stop?
Wagon trains disappeared in the West by the late 19th century. Later, instead of wagon trains, people were able to travel by way of the transcontinental railroad, but those wagons had led the way! 1. Wagon trains were the main way to travel to the West in the 20th century.
How big was a covered wagon that the pioneers used?
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. The seams in the body of the wagon were caulked with tar to protect them from leaking while crossing rivers.
What was inside a pioneer wagon?
The three main parts of a prairie wagon were the bed, the undercarriage, and the cover. BED = was a rectangular wooden box, usually 4 feet wide by 10 feet long. At its front end was a jockey box to hold tools.
How fast did wagon trains move?
Wagons traveled between 10 and 20 miles per day, depending on weather, terrain, and other factors.
How did people use the bathroom on the Oregon Trail?
Simply put, there were no bathrooms on the Oregon Trail. Poor toiletry habits (for example, doing your business too close to the wagons or campsites) caused germs to spread.
How much did a house cost in 1860?
A four-room house in most eastern cities ran about $4.50 per month. Outside of the city, land cost around $3 to $5 an acre. Then, as now, a lot of a household’s budget went to food.