Echo in Umatilla County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)

Covered Wagon Museum

The Wagon and Team panel image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 1, 2017

1. The Wagon and Team panel

Inscription. The Wagon and Team
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

The Supplies
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

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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

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. Marker 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.

Other nearby markers.

The Supplies panel image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 1, 2017

2. The Supplies panel

At least 8 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. 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); Charlie Berry Stadium (approx. half a mile away); David R. Koontz (approx. 0.6 miles away); Stansfield Rest Area Oregon Trial Kiosk (approx. 3.3 miles away); How Do You Make a Hat? (approx. 12.2 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.

Covered Wagon Museum and Marker image. Click for full size.

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 332 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 26, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.