Hansen Wheel & Wagon Shop can build historically accurate replicas of the three principal ambulance wagon designs developed during the American Civil War.
The main photographs featured on this page are of the restoration we completed on a reproduction Rucker Ambulance for the National Museum of Civil War Medicine.
While this product page represents our ability to custom-build Tripler, Rosecrans (Wheeling), and Rucker Civil War ambulance wagons, the images showcase the museum's Rucker Ambulance restoration and demonstrate the level of historical craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into every project.
Interested in the story behind the restoration request? Learn more HERE.
Tripler Ambulance (Early War)
Designed by Dr. Charles S. Tripler, the Tripler Ambulance was one of the first standardized military ambulances adopted by the Union Army. Larger than later designs, it was capable of transporting multiple wounded soldiers but required a team of four horses to pull its heavier frame.
Although innovative for its time, the Tripler's size and weight made it less practical on rough roads and difficult terrain. As the war progressed, lighter and more maneuverable ambulance designs gradually replaced it.
Rosecrans (Wheeling) Ambulance
Designed by Major General William S. Rosecrans, the Rosecrans Ambulance—also known as the Wheeling Ambulance represented a significant improvement over the earlier Tripler design. Its lightweight construction of approximately 750 pounds allowed it to be pulled by just two horses or mules while providing a smoother ride for wounded soldiers. The Rosecrans Ambulance quickly became one of the most successful early-war ambulance wagons.
Notable features include:
- Lightweight construction (approximately 750 pounds)
- Pulled by two horses or mules
- Three elliptical springs
- Three perch design
- Swinging rear door
- Wooden hub wheels
- Padded, washable seating that could be lowered to accommodate a few recumbent patients
- Designed to minimize jolting over rough roads
Rucker Ambulance
Developed later in the war by Brigadier General Daniel H. Rucker at the Government Repair Shops in Washington, D.C., the Rucker Ambulance became the Union Army's preferred late-war ambulance. Built for strength and durability, it incorporated improved suspension and steering that provided greater stability and reliability during service. The Rucker Ambulance represented the culmination of Civil War ambulance design and remained the standard through the latter part of the conflict.
Notable features include:
- Heavy-duty construction
- Full fifth-wheel and platform springs
- Increased durability for rugged military use
- Capable of carrying heavier loads
- Widely regarded as the most reliable Civil War ambulance wagon
Q&A
Question: How do you ship this vehicle to me?
Answer: We coordinate shipments of large freight items - such as our wagons, carriages, and coaches - within a network of private carriers so that your freight is safely transported to your destination without transfer. These are usually coordinated as partial loads in order to save costs, so it can take anywhere between 2 days to 2 weeks to find a ride. They will be transported in enclosed vans that vary from "U-Haul" size box vans to full 53' semi trailers. Contact us for more information and freight quotes. You may also arrange your own shipping through uship.com.
Question: How do I offload this vehicle at delivery?
Answer: If you have a delivery location with a loading dock available this is your best option. However, we can also deliver to any location that a semi-trailer can access. We then recommend coordination with a towing service to use a tilt-bed wrecker truck. The vehicle can be rolled off the trailer on to the bed of the wrecker truck and it will be tilted/lowered down to the ground from there.
