Conestoga Wagon, circa 1840
Add to SetSummary
Conestoga wagons first appeared in Pennsylvania's Conestoga River valley about 1750. Designed for freight, the Conestoga's curved body tended to keep the load in the center, rather than shifting it toward the rear. The Conestoga's popularity peaked in the first half of the 19th century -- before railroads replaced it for hauling agricultural products and manufactured goods.
Conestoga wagons first appeared in Pennsylvania's Conestoga River valley about 1750. Designed for freight, the Conestoga's curved body tended to keep the load in the center, rather than shifting it toward the rear. The Conestoga's popularity peaked in the first half of the 19th century -- before railroads replaced it for hauling agricultural products and manufactured goods.
Artifact
Conestoga wagon
Date Made
circa 1840
Place of Creation
United States, Pennsylvania, Lancaster county
Creator Notes
Wagon attributed to the Conestoga area of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Keywords
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
24.18.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Cloth
Iron (Metal)
Paint (Coating)
Wood (Plant Material)
Color
Blue
Red
Dimensions
Height: 110.5 in
Width: 83.5 in
Length: 228 in
Wheelbase: 86 in
Diameter: 47 in (Wheel Diameter)
Diameter: 63 in (Wheel Diameter)
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