The Conestoga wagon was developed in Lancaster County (Pennsylvania). It's floor curved upward to prevent the contents from tipping and shifting. The average Conestoga wagon was 18 feet long, 11 feet high, and 4 feet in width. It could carry up to 12,000 pounds of cargo. The seams in the body of the wagon were stuffed with tar to protect them from leaking while crossing rivers. Also for protection against bad weather, stretched across the wagon was a tough, white canvas cover. The frame and suspension were made of wood, and the wheels were often iron-rimmed for greater durability. Water barrels built on the side of the wagon held water, and toolboxes held tools needed for repair on the wagon. Also, the feedbox on the back of the wagon was used to feed the horses. The wagon was pulled by a team of up to eight horses or up to a dozen oxen. In colonial times the Conestoga wagon was popular for migration southward through the Great Appalachian Valley along the "Great Wagon Road". After the American Revolution it was used to open up commerce to Pittsburgh and Ohio.
WHAT WAS STUFFED IN THE SEAMS OF THE CONESTOGA WAGON TO PROTECT FROM LEAKS WHILE CROSSING RIVERS ??
TAR = N 40 49.236 W 078 53.834
PINE PITCH = N 40 48.699 W 078 53.774
CONGRATULATIONS TO beans&franks FOR THE FTF