New Franklin in Howard County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

South Howard County Historical Society Conestoga Wagon Replica

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 1, 2024

1. South Howard County Historical Society Conestoga Wagon Replica Marker

Inscription. This Conestoga wagon on display is a modern replica built by founding members of the South Howard County Historical Society.

The recreation of a Conestoga wagon was proposed in 1992 by Carl Fleck, then SHCHS President and constructed by SHCHS members Howard Hendrix, Morrison Moser, and Herb Niebreugge with assistance from Opal Meyer and Andy Meyer.

The Smithsonian Institute provided copies of the original construction plans that were the guide for creating an authentic replica of a Santa Fe Trail period Conestoga wagon.

Conestoga wagons first appeared in the early 18th century and got their name from the blacksmiths working in the Conestoga River Valley in Pennsylvania. The Conestoga wagons used on the Santa Fe Trail had a height of 18 to 20 feet and was covered with canvas stretched over tall hoops to protect the cargo from the elements. A loaded wagon could carry up to 4,000 pounds and was pulled by teams of 10 mules or 6 oxen. These “covered” wagons became the standard for traders moving goods along the Santa Fe Trail from Franklin, MO to destinations in New Mexico.

This wagon serves as the symbol

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for the South Howard County Historical Society and offers a visual representation to recall the challenges faced by travelers on the Santa Fe Trail.

Plaque donated in memory of Edgar and Lily Hendrix

Erected by South Howard County Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1992.

Location. 39° 0.751′ N, 92° 44.244′ W. Marker is in New Franklin, Missouri, in Howard County. It is at the intersection of Missouri Route 5 and Katy Trail, on the right when traveling north on Missouri Route 5. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 312 S Missouri St, New Franklin MO 65274, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Little Dixie

and in the Missouri River Corridor.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

and on the Santa Fe Trail Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 1, 2024

2. South Howard County Historical Society Conestoga Wagon Replica Marker

of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Katy Caboose #127 (a few steps from this marker); The New Franklin Viaduct (a few steps from this marker); Franklin: Mother of the Santa Fe Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Josiah Gregg (within shouting distance of this marker); Ezekiel Williams (within shouting distance of this marker); Christopher (Kit) Carson (within shouting distance of this marker); William Becknell (within shouting distance of this marker); Mildred (Millie) Cooper Brown (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Franklin.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 211 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 26, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.