Echo in Umatilla County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)
Covered Wagon Museum
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 1, 2017
1. The Wagon and Team panel
Wagons for trail travel were of the simplest construction, they cost $85.00 each. They were light, strong, and carried on sturdy wheels. It was recommended that wheels be made of bois-d'arc, osage orangewood or white oak. Bolt ends should be riveted on the running gear to prevent accidents. Concord, New Hampshire, Spring Wagons were preferred. The Wagon cost $85.00; the wagon cover cost $100.00.
Six mule team wagons were the preferred mode of travel, but oxen were often used as they were cheaper, less liable to stampede and covered long distances better. The cost of six mules was $600.00, while for eight oxen it was $200.00. The harness cost $24.00.
Total cost for oxen, harness, wagon and cover $409.00.
The Prairie Traveler -- A Handbook for Overland Expedition, Randolph B. Marcy, Harper Brothers Pub., N.Y. 1859
Total suggested supplies for three person -- one year with oxen team consisted of:
3 rifles at $20.00 60.00
3 pair of pistols at $15.00 45.00
5 barrels of flour, 1080 pds 20.00
Bacon, 600 pounds 30.00
Coffee, 100 pounds 8.00
Tea, 5 pounds 2.75
Sugar, 150 pounds 7.00
Rice, 75 pounds 3.75
Dried fruit, 50 pounds 3.00
Salt and pepper, 50 pds 3.00
Saleratus (soda), 30 pds 1.00
Lard, 50 pounds 2.50
Lead, 30 pounds 1.20
Tent, 30 pounds 5.00
Bedding, 45 pounds 22.50
Cooking utensils, 30 pds 4.00
Matches 1.00
Candles, soap, 50 pds 5.30
Private baggage, 150 pds
Total Cost For 3 $225.00
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Supplies were stored compactly to insure room for all the necessary goods. Bacon was placed in sacks with one hundred pounds in each. In the case of high heat, it was urged that the sacks be placed in boxes surrounded by bran to prevent the fat from melting. Flour was placed in double canvas sacks, one hundred pounds per sack.
The Emigrant's Guide to California, Joseph E. Wase, J. Halsall Publications, St, Louis, Missouri 1849
Erected by City of Echo.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Oregon Trail series list.
Location. 45° 44.521′ N, 119° 11.917′ W. Marker is in Echo, Oregon, in Umatilla County. It can be reached from West Main Street near Water Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10 West Main Street, Echo OR 97826, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Oregon. It is also in the American Mountain West and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 1, 2017
2. The Supplies panel
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Umatilla County Jail (a few steps from this marker); Jack Dempsey (a few steps from this marker); The Blockhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lower Crossing (within shouting distance of this marker); Echo Mercantile Building/Post Offices (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Umatilla Masonic Lodge #40 (about 600 feet away); Arlington Hotel (about 600 feet away); Echo Methodist-Episcopal Church (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Echo.
More about this marker. The marker is located in Fort Henrietta Park.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 1, 2017
3. Covered Wagon Museum and Marker
The marker is on the far wall.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 26, 2017. It was originally submitted on December 26, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 592 times since then and 73 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 26, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
