Wagon trails

The California Trail across Nevada was a popular route for wagon trains in the 1860s, with the Bartleson-Bidwell Party leading the way in 1841. By 1869,...

The wagons on the Oregon Trail were packed full of everything from basic necessities to a family's most treasured possessions.

A wagon train following the California Trail across Nevada during the 1860's. The Bartleson-Bidwell Party were the first wagon train to take the California Trail across Nevada in 1841. By 1869 there had been an estimated 450,000 people who had taken a covered wagon along the California Trail in Nevada. The 40 mile desert between Lovelock, and Fernley was the worst part of that trail because there was no water. In Fallon during the 1930's you could still find a lot of debris from the wagon…

A wagon train moves through badlands south of Cody, Wyoming

A wagon located inside the National Frontier Trails Museum. Independence, MO. July 2007.

Many motion pictures show wagon trains in the West full of people riding in big wagons pulled by horses. In reality, smaller and lighter wagons called prairie schooners (the white canvas tops, or bonnets, of which appeared from a distance to resemble sailing ships) were much more suitable for long-distance travel than the big, heavy, and unwieldy Conestoga wagons of the East. Horses were used by some emigrants, but mules and oxen were better suited, since they had greater endurance and were…

Visit the post for more.

This is a picture of a covered wagon being pulled by two horses, also called a horse and buggie. This was the perferred way to travel on the Oregon Trail. The reson it was perferred is because you could transport alot of clothing, food, people or equipment from one place to another in less time than you could walking. Even though this method was quicker for travel alot of people still died to fevers, snakebites and othe obsticals while on the trail.

A wagon train following the California Trail across Nevada during the 1860's. The Bartleson-Bidwell Party were the first wagon train to take the...

by Anna Kathryn Lanier Women of the West during the 1800’s had greater freedom and more opportunities as proprietors than their counter-parts in the East. Labor shortages and the more lenient attitude toward women’s roles opened doors for women in commerce unavailable in the more Victorian-minded East. Common businesses were laundries, baking, house cleaning, boarding houses, hotels, restaurants, seamstress, even post mistress. The men may have come West for freedom, but they still wanted…

Historic Trails West is located in Casper, Wyoming, we offer the opportunity for you to ride in the footsteps of the pioneers on the Oregon, Mormon, California, and Pony Express Trails. Our covered wagon trains experiences are an unparalleled experience you won't find anywhere else. See the west as the pioneers saw it, enjoy a Dutch Oven cookout, and ride alongside the wagon trail in the hoof prints of the Pony Express. Put us at the top of your list for things to do when you visit Wyoming!

Oregon Trail Wagon Train | These Oregon Trail pioneers were lucky they weren’t seriously ...

For a fun dose of cowboy culture, sign up for a covered chuck wagon ride followed by a sunset cookout in the wilderness. After dinner, you'll be treated to tall tales, singing, and performances by local talent. Several outfitters in the area offer packages: Bar T Five Covered Wagon Cookout & Wild West Show takes visitors into beautiful Cache Creek Canyon for an authentic Dutch-oven dinner, while Bar J Chuckwagon also includes a visit to a western-style village.

Wagontrain

In January, 1863, nine freight wagons left Santa Fe, New Mexico, traveling east when they were attacked by indians.

Cool

There were countless trails created from the wheels of the wagons. If the cart was too heavy to cross the water, household necessities were often left behind. Parents often died, leaving their children to fend for themselves. By the end of the era, there were at least ten people buried…

Our History, Mission & Goal The Great Wagon Road Project began in June 2019, bringing together a group of dedicated volunteers in partnership with Piedmont Trails. Our mission is to preserve th…