What supplies to take was the most important decision the emigrant had to make. They had just so much room on the wagon so they depended on Oregon Trail Guide book and other books to advise them. Each wagon did not have the same supplies, but they were similar. We would like to share with you some examples of clothing, pioneer games, recipes, some interesting facts and examples of animals of the trail. All the links are at the top of this page.

Wagon

A covered wagon or as the pioneers called them, "Prairie Schooners," had a white canvas cloth on top with 4 wheels on the bottom. The wagons were known as the "Prairie Schooner" because the white canvas reminded many pioneers of sailing ships. The wagons were made out of wood 4 feet wide by 12 feet long. The bottom of the wagon looked like a "normal" wagon except that the front wheels were smaller than the back wheels because it helped to turn quickly when needed. The supplies they carried in the wagons were mainly tools, food and family treasures.

The pioneers would grease the canvas so it would be waterproof. The canvas was stretched over the bows the curved wood used to make a "roof" onn the wagon. and there were drawstrings to close and open the ends for protection from the weather and dust.

Inside the wagon there were wooden hoops with hooks on them to hang guns, milk cans, spoons, bonnets, jackets, dolls and anything else there was room for.

The wagon was packed with supplies for a 3-5 month journey. The cost of the journey was expensive but they managed to either borrow or save for the trip.

Most of the treasures were luxury items and usually didn't make it all the way to Oregon City. The trail was marked by items discarded by pioneers.

Handcarts

Handcarts were also used. The handcarts were made of wood with either rawhide or light metal tires. They came in three sizes and weighed 60 lbs. Sometimes they were poorly made and often needed repair. Pioneers pulled the carts across the trail.