Even in the mid-nineteenth century, change could happen in a short period of time.
Pictured here are two replica wagons we recently completed at the shop. The one on the left represents wagons constructed during the 1840s, while the one on the right reflects the design changes implemented in the 1850s. These wagons are complete, newly fabricated historic replicas—of the highest authenticity—following design features gleaned from original wagons we’ve documented and/or hold in our collection.

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This early California and Oregon Trail Prairie Schooner was replicated after those built in the 1840s. The rave-framed box was built with angled ends and chipped corners. Finished in Colonial Blue, it reflects the influence of the Conestoga wagon design. The running gear features a Lynch Pin Clouted (Iron Clad) Axle with a rough lock and a stiff pole design for hitch equipment.

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This later-period 1850s covered wagon features a square box with less intricate rave framing and removable top sideboards for versatility. The running gear was built using steel skeins for the Lynch Pin axles. We built this particular wagon with a drop pole and included a rough lock.

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The 1840s Jockey Box style was heavily ironed with intricate hand-forged hardware securing the box. Chipped corners on the lid matched the style of the wagon box.

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During the 1850s, craftsmen began to simplify Jockey Box construction. While there was less hand-forged hardware, stylistic embellishments like diamond washers on the bolts remained. Chipped corners were no longer added, but a curved back edge on the lid gave the box a distinct style.

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This image shows the 1840s wagon with stiff pole hounds and an early-period doubletree, “pinned” to the pole with a “wagon hammer.” The hammer was used to remove the Lynch Pin that went through the wagon axle to secure the wheels.

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By the 1850s, wagons increasingly transitioned to a drop pole, as recommended by prairie travelers. An intricately crafted hammer strap and wagon hammer are shown alongside the drop pole.

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The 1840s banded sill design on the wagon box helped prevent the sill wood from splitting.

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The 1850s wagon box sill omits the bands and adds curved, tapered ends. Decorative wagon nails added traction on the "sill tail," which was used as a step to enter the wagon.

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A traditional Conestoga design feature, the sloped side toolbox was strapped to the side of the wagon box with an iron band. That same styling, along with the chipped edges, was incorporated into the 1840s toolbox.

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This simpler 1850s toolbox design incorporated curved wood elements. It was secured to the wagon using long bolts through each side, rather than being strapped on.

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The 1840s rear tailgate on the angled box used pinned-through tenon latches and stapled pockets on the standard tails.

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The 1850s wagon still used a similar but simplified latch system. Iron loop retainers were added to the tenons with stapled standard tails.

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The 1840s box featured decorative “chipped” corners. This was not only for aesthetics but also helped prevent the board ends from splitting. A brake lever was an uncommon feature on wagons of this era.

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The 1850s square box wagon began evolving into the standard “farm box” wagon. As the design was simplified, manufacturers began transitioning to green as the standard box color. The brake also became a more common feature on Western wagons.

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The early 1840s hub style has a distinct profile with broad hub bands and a deep Lynch Pin notch. This clouted wood axle included two rivet heads that secured a cap to the end of the cloute.

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The end of the clouted axle era is marked by this cast skein/Lynch Pin axle. This brief design period was soon followed by the fabrication of threaded nuts on axle ends to retain the wheel.

We've highlighted only some of the design features of these two wagons. Each craftsman—from the wheelwright to the blacksmith, the wainwright to the painter—became immersed in this replica wagon project. It was a fascinating experience to both produce and learn about history through the process of building these wagons.