Conestoga Wagon, circa 1840

Summary

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

Creators

Unknown

Place of Creation

United States, Pennsylvania, Lancaster county 

Creator Notes

Wagon attributed to the Conestoga area of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

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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