Wagons … Westward Ho!
By Bob Ford Special to
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It would be the most difficult and life changing decision one would ever make … to go West!
There could be a myriad of reasons; war, economics, legal issues, family dynamics or gold fever.
Many immigrant families in the early 1800’s settled on land east of the Mississippi River and farmed. Now those first generation farmers had large families of their own. The homestead could only support one or two families at the most but there were 6 siblings … better head West.
As the Civil War broke out in the mid-1800s, men with and without families headed out to avoid the draft. Draft dodging was prolific as countless men felt the Civil War was, “a rich man’s war and the poor man’s fight.”
They felt their allegiance was to their family and themselves more than any national issue. The daily struggle to survive and provide left many with no choice.
Sometimes in one’s life you look at reality and make a decision where the unknown looks better than the known. Making the determination to go West, was such an instance.
Once committed to taking the trek, planning and the proper equipment were essential.
Conestoga Wagons, primarily used in the east to transfer freight, were too big and heavy for the 3,000 mile adventure.
Most travelers used wagons that were lighter and sturdy. Families who could would walk most of the way next to the wagon that was carrying their lives.
Tools, clothes, cookware, furniture, food, building material and family heirlooms all in a 14×4-foot-wide and two-foot-deep box on wheels … there was no turning back.
Why was the average wagon 4-feet-wide and always has been? Lore has it that’s the width of two side-by-side horse’s rumps pulling a Roman chariot, there’s a little ancient trivia for ya.
In 1852, the Studebaker family started one of the most successful wagon manufacturing companies, outfitting settlers in St. Joseph. Built to handle the rough and arduous trail, their “prairie schooner,” was lighter weight but resilient. Most wagons were pulled by either four oxen, mules or horses.
On the trail at night, wagons would create a circle, not only for protection but to keep all livestock in the circle and contained.
Health and nutrition for settlers and beasts of burden were paramount for a successful journey. Typhoid and cholera could run rampant and spread through a wagon train quickly, it is estimated 15% of all pioneers who set out, died along the trail.
Trains would leave Missouri in April and May, wanting to avoid the harsh winter in the mountains but in time to sustain their livestock on mature enough grasses along the way.
My mother was distantly related to and close friends with Lillian Studebaker. I was working in Chicago 30-plus years ago and decided to visit her in South Bend, Indiana, where the Studebaker Auto Works was located.
Her house looked like the Adams Family mansion ties three. Gothic, fortress-like and foreboding, I rang the doorbell thinking Miss Havisham would slowly open the huge creaky door, but no, it was “Hi call me Aunt Lil!” Lillian was an 85-year-old firecracker full of life and stories.
She talked about Ole’ St. Jo and what it must have been like during the gold rush.
“Most 49ers left St. Jo to become utterly disappointed,” she said. ”Never to be seen again, losing their fortune, honor and probably their lives.”
Some have said the gold rush was a political ploy brought on by our government to help populate the newly acquired California, if it was, it worked.
The people that prospered were the ones that stayed behind and outfitted the gold crazed prospectors, they led a fine upscale stable life.
I have to admit, when there truly is nothing on TV, I’ll watch “Wagon Train.” I’m a Ward Bond fan.
Guest stars in the series were a who’s who of Hollywood; Betty Davis, Ronald Reagan, Lee Marvin, Barbara Stanwyck, Mickey Rooney, John Wayne and many others.
My favorite “trails” movie you have never heard of is “Westward the Woman” with Robert Taylor. It’s gritty with a feel good plot.
The decision to risk everything and set out made our country. It became the largest peacetime migration of humanity in the history of mankind.
The Patee House Museum and the Pony Express Stables Museum in St Joseph showcase the era and items needed for the exodus wonderfully.
I like to say if you have legacy in the West, chances are you can trace your ancestry back to an individual who, “risked it all,” and took a chance on the unknown, succeeding, and allowing you to enjoy the life you and others are living today.
I honor those self reliant crusaders who truly exemplify what the American spirit is all about, cheers!
