wagon train, caravan of wagons organized by settlers in the United States for emigration to the West during the late 18th and most of the 19th centuries.
- 1 How long did wagon trains exist?
- 2 How long did it take a wagon train to go West?
- 3 How many miles did a wagon train go in a day?
- 4 How many wagons were usually in a wagon train?
- 5 How did wagon trains cross rivers?
- 6 What time did the pioneers wake up and go to bed on the trail?
- 7 How much did it cost to join a wagon train?
- 8 How many wagons were in the average wagon train going west?
- 9 Why didn’t most pioneers ride in their wagons?
- 10 What was the main item that pioneers brought with them in their covered wagons?
- 11 When was the last wagon train?
- 12 What did they eat on wagon trains?
- 13 How long did it take a wagon train to go from Texas to Oregon?
- 14 Why did some people walk on the wagon trains?
- 15 Where did pioneers sleep?
- 16 What is the leader of a wagon train called?
- 17 How long did Robert Fuller play on wagon train?
- 18 Why did the pioneers risk everything to move west?
- 19 What was it like to travel in a wagon train?
- 20 What were three jumping off places for pioneers?
- 21 How many people died crossing rivers on the Oregon Trail?
- 22 What did pioneers do for fun?
- 23 Are there still pioneers today?
- 24 Why did pioneers put their wagons in a circle at night?
- 25 What happened to the original wagon master on wagon train?
- 26 Who was the first wagon train?
- 27 What were the 3 real enemies of the settlers?
- 28 What did the pioneers eat for dessert?
- 29 What did they eat on Oregon Trail?
- 30 Where did wagon trains start from?
- 31 What did the pioneers eat for breakfast?
- 32 How did pioneers keep bacon?
- 33 What were the two main causes of death along the trail?
- 34 Which state would not have been on the Oregon Trail?
- 35 Did wagon trains leave from Fort Worth?
- 36 What percentage of people died on wagon trains?
- 37 Why did Flint McCullough leave the wagon train?
- 38 When did covered wagons stop being used?
- 39 How much did it cost to join a wagon train?
- 40 How far did the average wagon train travel in a day?
- 41 How were beans cooked on a wagon train?
- 42 How did wagon trains carry water?
- 43 What disease caused many deaths on the Oregon Trail?
- 44 How many wagons were in the average wagon train?
- 45 What time did pioneer children go to bed?
- 46 How many miles a day did the pioneers travel?
- 47 What did the pioneers drink?
- 48 How long did wagon trains take to cross the country?
- 49 Why didn’t most pioneers ride in their wagons?
- 50 How many years did wagon trains go west?
- 51 Why did Ward Bond and Robert Horton not get along?
- 52 Is Terry Wilson from Wagon Train still alive?
- 53 Is anyone from Wagon Train still alive?
- 54 Why did some people walk on the wagon trains?
How long did wagon trains exist?
Travel by wagon train occurred primarily between the 1840s–1880s, diminishing after completion of the first transcontinental railroad. Some remnants of wagon ruts along the well-travelled trails are still visible today.
How long did it take a wagon train to go West?
The wagon train would travel at around two miles an hour. This enabled the emigrants to average ten miles a day. With good weather the 2,000 mile journey from Missouri to California and Oregon would take about five months.
How many miles did a wagon train go in a day?
The covered wagon made 8 to 20 miles per day depending upon weather, roadway conditions and the health of the travelers. It could take up to six months or longer to reach their destination.
How many wagons were usually in a wagon train?
Wagon Trains were composed of up to 200 wagons, though more common were trains of 30 or less wagons. Wagon Trains had large numbers of livestock accompany them. Upwards of 2,000 cattle and 10,000 sheep joined the pioneers in their westward trek.
How did wagon trains cross rivers?
Some rivers could be forded, but for rivers deeper than four feet or so, a pair of canoes would be lashed together, a wagon rolled on crossways, and the resulting ferry poled across. Some smaller creeks had toll bridges built by entrepreneurs hoping to cash in on the emigrant traffic.
What time did the pioneers wake up and go to bed on the trail?
Historical Trails
Pioneers were awakened shortly before daybreak by the sound of a bugle or a shotgun from the guard. After several days on the trail, certain routines were followed: 4:00 am: A bugler blows a trumpet or a rifle is fired by the night guards to wake up the camp.
How much did it cost to join a wagon train?
The overland journey from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon or California meant a six-month trip across 2,000 miles of hard country. It was costly—as much as $1,000 for a family of four. That fee included a wagon at about $100.
How many wagons were in the average wagon train going west?
The wagon train is probably one of those images. What exactly was a wagon train? It was a group of covered wagons, usually around 100 of them. These carried people and their supplies to the West before there was a transcontinental railroad.
Why didn’t most pioneers ride in their wagons?
People didn’t ride in the wagons often, because they didn’t want to wear out their animals. Instead they walked alongside them, getting just as dusty as the animals. The long journey was hard on both people and animals. It was even hard on the wagons, which usually had to be repaired several times during the trip.
What was the main item that pioneers brought with them in their covered wagons?
The pioneers would take with them as many supplies as possible. They took cornmeal, bacon, eggs, potatoes, rice, beans, yeast, dried fruit, crackers, dried meat, and a large barrel of water that was tied to the side of the wagon.
When was the last wagon train?
Members of the company were reduced to near-starvation rations of rice and nearly inedible meat by the time they reached the end of the trail. By late October, 1853, the last of the wagons in the lost train had been driven down to Lowell, along the Middle Fork of the Willamette River.
What did they eat on wagon trains?
Those who operated freight wagon trains subsisted on coffee, bread, salt pork and beans or cornmeal. Delicacies included oysters, which were packed in tins in the early years and later shipped fresh, and alcoholic beverages such as French Champagne and claret.
How long did it take a wagon train to go from Texas to Oregon?
Great Emigration of 1843
When Whitman headed west yet again, he met up with a huge wagon train destined for Oregon. The group included 120 wagons, about 1,000 people and thousands of livestock. Their trek began on May 22 and lasted five months.
Why did some people walk on the wagon trains?
In addition, most people walked, both because it allowed their wagons to carry more weight and because riding in the wagons—which had no suspension—they would have endured constant jolting and lurching on the rough trails and roads.
Where did pioneers sleep?
Some pioneers did sleep in their wagons. Some did camp on the ground—either in the open or sheltered under the wagon. But many used canvas tents. Despite the romantic depictions of the covered wagon in movies and on television, it would not have been very comfortable to travel in or sleep in the wagon.
What is the leader of a wagon train called?
A wagon master was the person hired to oversee the transportation of a group of wagons. On the American frontier, the term usually applies to the person responsible for assisting groups of immigrants or pioneers from the eastern US to the western US. Wagon masters were also hired to oversee shipments of cargo or mail.
How long did Robert Fuller play on wagon train?
Robert Horton played the original scout Flint McCullough for five years and left when his contract was up to pursue his interest in music. Scott Miller joined the cast as scout Duke Shannon for Seasons 4 through 7. Robert Fuller joined the cast as scout Cooper Smith for Seasons 7 and 8.
Why did the pioneers risk everything to move west?
Gold rush and mining opportunities (silver in Nevada) The opportunity to work in the cattle industry; to be a “cowboy” Faster travel to the West by railroad; availability of supplies due to the railroad. The opportunity to own land cheaply under the Homestead Act.
What was it like to travel in a wagon train?
A wagon train was a group of covered wagons that went together on the long trip West. The wagons would travel in a single line so that from a distance they looked like a slow-moving train. If the trail was wide enough, they would sometimes spread out to get away from each other’s dust.
What were three jumping off places for pioneers?
So the pioneers unloaded their wagons at any one of several small towns along the Missouri river which they called “jumping off” places. Independence was the first option. Further upstream was Westport, St. Joseph, Omaha and Council Bluffs.
How many people died crossing rivers on the Oregon Trail?
Of the estimated 350,000 who started the journey, the trail claimed as many as 30,000 victims or an average of 10-15 deaths per mile. The leading causes of deaths along the Oregon/California Trail from 1841 to 1869 were disease, accidents, and weather.
What did pioneers do for fun?
They had races and played games such as Sheep Over the River, Hide and Seek, Pull the Rope, and Steal-Stick Duck-Stones. They also sang and danced. They made dolls from corn cobs and rags and used a bladder balloon for ball games.
Are there still pioneers today?
While many think of pioneers as people from a bygone era, that spirit is still well alive today in Mariposa County. Many come here looking for a new start in a beautiful setting, in search of new business opportunities or to build a home, or business from scratch.
Why did pioneers put their wagons in a circle at night?
“To be on the safe side, the pioneers drew their wagons into a circle at night to create a makeshift stockade. If they feared Indians might raid their livestock—the Plains tribes valued the horses, though generally ignored the oxen—they would drive the animals into the enclosure.”
What happened to the original wagon master on wagon train?
Bond died of a heart attack on the fourth season of ‘Wagon Train. ‘ Bond shockingly passed on November 5, 1960. John McIntire was brought in to replace the actor, acting as a new wagon master.
Who was the first wagon train?
John Bartleson organized the Western Emigration Society and led the first wagon train of pioneers across the Rocky Mountains. On May 1, 1841 this group headed west out of Missouri.
What were the 3 real enemies of the settlers?
The real enemies of the pioneers were cholera, poor sanitation and–surprisingly–accidental gunshots. The first emigrants to go to Oregon in a covered wagon were Marcus and Narcissa Whitman (and Henry and Eliza Spalding) who made the trip in 1836.
What did the pioneers eat for dessert?
As for desserts — they were simple, but many and varied. There were apple dump- lings, rice and bread puddings, soft molasses cookies, sugar jumbles, and mincemeat, pumpkin, dried apple, or custard pies. On special occasions we might have lemon pie. It was not necessary to skimp on eggs or milk.
What did they eat on Oregon Trail?
Cornmeal Pancakes
Like flour, pioneers brought along tons of cornmeal for the trail. Cornmeal was easy to make and transport, so travelers got creative with how they used it in their meals. A favorite food on the Oregon Trail was cornmeal pancakes, which could easily be fried up over the campfire.
Where did wagon trains start from?
The wagon trains first began heading west in the early 1820s with the opening of the Santa Fe Trail from St. Louis, Missouri. The emigrant trains to Oregon and California had their origins in the mid-1840s, hitting their peak during the 1850s following the California Gold Rush.
What did the pioneers eat for breakfast?
Beans, cornmeal mush, Johnnycakes or pancakes, and coffee were the usual breakfast. Fresh milk was available from the dairy cows that some families brought along, and pioneers took advantage go the rough rides of the wagon to churn their butter.
How did pioneers keep bacon?
Marcy advised travelers to pack the pork in sacks, “or… in boxes… surrounded with bran, which in a great measure, prevents the fat from melting away.” Unfortunately, bacon still occasionally spoiled and had to be ditched along the trail. In less delicious news, bacon wasn’t just cured, it was a cure!
What were the two main causes of death along the trail?
Nearly one in ten who set off on the Oregon Trail did not survive. The two biggest causes of death were disease and accidents.
Which state would not have been on the Oregon Trail?
The Oregon Trail was much more than a pathway to the state of Oregon; it was the only practical path to the entire western United States. The places we now know as Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho, and Utah would probably not be a part of the United States today were it not for the Oregon Trail.
Did wagon trains leave from Fort Worth?
The year is 1883 as a wagon train sets out from Fort Worth, Texas headed to the Oregon coast and the Pacific Ocean in Taylor Sheridan’s prequel to Yellowstone.
What percentage of people died on wagon trains?
It is estimated that 6-10% of all emigrants of the trails succumbed to some form of illness. Of the estimated 350,000 who started the journey, disease may have claimed as many as 30,000 victims.
Why did Flint McCullough leave the wagon train?
Robert Horton, who played scout Flint McCullough, was on the Wagon Train for five seasons before leaving the series to pursue his production (which didn’t face a huge success). As a result, Robert Fuller replaced his character.
When did covered wagons stop being used?
1 Expert Answer. That’s a good question! Horses and wagons were common until the 1920s-1940s, when they were replaced by the automobile.
How much did it cost to join a wagon train?
The overland journey from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon or California meant a six-month trip across 2,000 miles of hard country. It was costly—as much as $1,000 for a family of four. That fee included a wagon at about $100.
How far did the average wagon train travel in a day?
The covered wagon made 8 to 20 miles per day depending upon weather, roadway conditions and the health of the travelers. It could take up to six months or longer to reach their destination.
How were beans cooked on a wagon train?
In a spider (frying pan), they roasted green coffee beans, ground them in a coffee grinder and then brewed them in water over the fire. If the unthinkable happened and the coffee supply ran out, the pioneers would resort to sipping corn or pea brew.
How did wagon trains carry water?
The sides of the wagons were waterproofed with tar, so they could ford rivers and keep the cargo dry. A thoroughly water-proofed wagon would also float in high water, making the crossing much easier. The canvas tops were oiled to keep out the rain. Wooden wheels had iron rims to prevent wear.
What disease caused many deaths on the Oregon Trail?
Death was rampant on the Oregon Trail. Approximately one out of every tenth person who began the trip did not make it to their destination. These deaths were mostly in part to disease or accidents. Diseases ranged from a fever to dysentery, but the most deadly disease was cholera.
How many wagons were in the average wagon train?
Wagon Trains were composed of up to 200 wagons, though more common were trains of 30 or less wagons. Wagon Trains had large numbers of livestock accompany them. Upwards of 2,000 cattle and 10,000 sheep joined the pioneers in their westward trek.
What time did pioneer children go to bed?
It was not until 1952 that the first water treatment plant was constructed. Pioneers typically went to sleep at dusk since, without light, not much could be accomplished. Candles and lanterns were expensive and not to be wasted.
How many miles a day did the pioneers travel?
Average distance covered in a day was usually fifteen miles, but on a good day twenty could be traveled. 7:30 am: Men ride ahead on horses with shovels to clear out a path, if needed. “Nooning Time”: Animals and people stop to eat, drink and rest.
What did the pioneers drink?
The Founders, like most colonists, were fans of adult beverages. Colonial Americans drank roughly three times as much as modern Americans, primarily in the form of beer, cider, and whiskey.
How long did wagon trains take to cross the country?
The wagon train would travel at around two miles an hour. This enabled the emigrants to average ten miles a day. With good weather the 2,000 mile journey from Missouri to California and Oregon would take about five months. However, heavy rains would increase this by several weeks.
Why didn’t most pioneers ride in their wagons?
People didn’t ride in the wagons often, because they didn’t want to wear out their animals. Instead they walked alongside them, getting just as dusty as the animals. The long journey was hard on both people and animals. It was even hard on the wagons, which usually had to be repaired several times during the trip.
How many years did wagon trains go west?
Travel by wagon train occurred primarily between the 1840s–1880s, diminishing after completion of the first transcontinental railroad. Some remnants of wagon ruts along the well-travelled trails are still visible today.
Why did Ward Bond and Robert Horton not get along?
Apparently, Bond was billed as the show’s lead but would get jealous because Horton was the one receiving more fan mail. The producers even tried to cut down Horton’s lines so that Bond would stand out more on the set. Despite disagreements, the two apparently made amends before Bond passed away in 1960.
Is Terry Wilson from Wagon Train still alive?
Is anyone from Wagon Train still alive?
Robert Horton, known for his role as scout Flint McCullough in the Emmy-nominated series “Wagon Train,” died March 9 in Los Angeles, his niece Joan Evans told the New York Times.
Why did some people walk on the wagon trains?
In addition, most people walked, both because it allowed their wagons to carry more weight and because riding in the wagons—which had no suspension—they would have endured constant jolting and lurching on the rough trails and roads.