Wagons Ho

[W. Gray]

One of the organizers of the 1846 Donner Party had a covered wagon that was double decked and was dubbed "The Palace Wagon." It had a bedroom and was heated. It also had spring loaded seats that allowed members of the family to ride in comfort.

Before reaching what would become Donner Pass, the wagon's owner was banished from the trail without food or a weapon, for killing another member of the Donner Party. His wife was left to drive the monstrosity, however, all but one of their ten oxen escaped from the group and were never found. The wagon was abandoned in the desert and was believed to have been found in 1929.

Ironically, James Reed, the man who was banished, made it to California before the snow fell. He organized a rescue and went back bringing food and supplies to the survivors.

It would be interesting to know how many wagons were in the largest group of wagons ever to leave Independence for the west. The Donner Party consisted of 60 to 80 wagons after the group split from others at Fort Bridger to follow what was thought to be a short cut.

If you were in a group of 100 or more wagons leaving Independence, what would that group of wagons be called?

If you were in the Donner Party what would your group of wagons be called?

If you were in a group of wagons leaving Independence that numbered 24 what would that group of wagons be called?

[Bullwinkle]

       A 100 wagons? Maybe a schooner centennial ?

      The Donner party ?  SOL 

     24 wagons? A Shakers dozen?

[Diane Amberg]

How about wagon trains in general and Prairie Schooners for the larger groups?

[W. Gray]

One of the organizers of the 1846 Donner Party had a covered wagon that was double decked and was dubbed "The Palace Wagon." It had a bedroom and was heated. It also had spring loaded seats that allowed members of the family to ride in comfort.

Before reaching what would become Donner Pass, the wagon's owner was banished from the trail without food or a weapon, for killing another member of the Donner Party. His wife was left to drive the monstrosity, however, all but one of their ten oxen escaped from the group and were never found. The wagon was abandoned in the desert and was believed to have been found in 1929.

Ironically, James Reed, the man who was banished, made it to California before the snow fell. He organized a rescue and went back bringing food and supplies to the survivors.

It would be interesting to know how many wagons were in the largest group of wagons ever to leave Independence for the west. The Donner Party consisted of 60 to 80 wagons after the group split from others at Fort Bridger to follow what was thought to be a short cut.

If you were in a group of 100 or more wagons leaving Independence, what would that group of wagons be called?

If you were in the Donner Party what would your group of wagons be called?

If you were in a group of wagons leaving Independence that numbered 24 what would that group of wagons be called?

If you were in a group of 100 or more wagons and if you were in the Donner Party with 60-80 wagons you would be traveling in a "Wagon Train."

If you group had less than 25 wagons you were traveling in a mere "Outfit." I dont think Hollywood checked with the pioneers about this.

Drivers of oxen were called "wagoners" and drivers of mules were called "muleskinners." Horses weren't used much because of their lack of stamina. And, if horses or mules were used, grain had to be brought along to feed them. Oxen could exist entirely on grass and did not need grain being hauled.

[Diane Amberg]

Interesting! I was sort of right about a little of it. It's always fun to learn something new.Thanks.