WAGONS HO!

Oregon fever spread quickly in the early 1800s. The symptoms included restlessness, hunger for land, and a thirst for adventure. The cure was to get to Oregon Country as quickly as possible.

- Pauline Bartel

But it was 2,000 miles away through an unknown land. Pulling up roots and moving families and belongings on a difficult and dangerous trip required careful planning. Some families spent a year preparing for the trip.

The journey west began at the Missouri River. Western Missouri cities such as Independence and St. Joseph became bustling “jumping-off” points. Those towns grew into places full of shops and businesses that provided everything pioneers might need—from wagons to livestock and provisions—for their cross-country journey. They also became places where emigrants could gather and meet up.

STURDY WAGONS

Wagons of all types were used, but a smaller version of the Conestoga wagon from the 1700s was especially popular. It was lightweight but sturdy with long, low sides. It usually had a straight bed, making it different from the boat-curved Conestoga. The best wagons were built of hardwood such as hickory, oak, or maple. Hardwoods resisted shrinking in the dry plains air. A light canvas or homespun top stretched over the wagon’s wooden ribs to protect the contents. From a distance, the wagons looked like small ships sailing across the plains. They soon became known as prairie schooners.

At least two teams of oxen were needed to pull a prairie schooner. Two oxen harnessed together with a wooden yoke made a team. Although they were slower than horses or mules, oxen were more reliable and did not have to be unyoked to graze. They also ate prairie grass, which made feeding them easier than horses, who needed hay in their diets.