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From: "Elissa Scalise Powell, CG" <>
Subject: Re: [APG] Calico wagons
Date: Sun, 17 Feb 2008 16:36:43 -0500
References: <bed.1d7ada86.34e9ecee@aol.com> <47B89F30.6090503@verizon.net>
In-Reply-To: <47B89F30.6090503@verizon.net>


I vote with Bob. Conestoga wagons also were bow-shaped from front to back so
that when the wagons went up or down mountains, the contents would not spill
out. They were named for the Conestoga area of eastern Pennsylvania.

>From http://www.mcn.org/2/noel/Westmoreland/MigrationTrails.htm
"The Conestoga wagon had broad wheels, the rear wheels being larger than the
front, a white fabric hood that was about 12' long and about 4' 8" high, and
a convex, from front to back, wagon box which was about 8' 10" long and 3'
6" wide. It was made for a heavy load and with six horses could carry over 7
tons. The Prairie Schooner used on the plains was much lighter. It used two
to four horses and the wagon box, with the wheels removed, was floated as a
boat."

-- Elissa in Pittsburgh (the real gateway to the west) <g>

Elissa Scalise Powell, CG
www.PowellGenealogy.com
CG and Certified Genealogist are Service Marks of the Board for
Certification of Genealogists used under license after periodic evaluations
by the Board.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: bob gillis
> Sent: Sunday, February 17, 2008 3:55 PM
> Cc:
> Subject: Re: [APG] Calico wagons
>
> wrote:
> > Listers,
> > A man recently came in to a small museum and told an associate that
> > "calico" wagons were designed by "a Mr. Calico. The wheels were larger
in the back."

>
> I think what he was thinking of was a Conestoga wagon.
>
> bob gillis

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