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These are the actual wagons used by the Carter Family on both the Oregon Trail in 1993 and the California Trail in 1999! Every wagon was built by hand. They represent full-size replicas of the actual wagons used by pioneers, identical to those on display in the Smithsonian Museum. Wagons like these transported entire families and their worldly possessions west during the largest "peacetime" migration in history.
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Prairie
Crossing
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"Wagons Ho" was the call. Pioneers often walked along side their wagons. The "Trail Boss" would ride ahead to set the route. The pioneers encountered small streams and wide rivers along the way ... and the people and livestock endured tough mountain passages over four mountain ranges. And stunning high plains alive with wildflowers ... and the beautiful Independence Rock! And down the other side ... Often the way was harrowing! And ever onward they went ... toward the "Wild West."
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| The arrival of a wagon train in a small town was always an event. Trappers and those who went before often came out to visit and hear news from the east or to trade. |
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| At night, the wagons were circled to form a perimeter of protection against the unknown elements of the dark. The livestock was fed and watered first. Without them, the trek west could not continue. |
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A Tough Pull
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Four Mile Circle
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HISTORIC TRAILS WEST
PO Box 428
Mills, Wyoming 82644 |
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