The wagons were still, as the wind blew from the West. Family after family was waiting for a word, a signal, any sign that the journey of their lives was about to begin. Crows circled overhead and flies buzzed. But no signal came. Children played tag in the streets, and weathered trail-hands checked and rechecked the harnesses that held oxen to the Conestoga’s they would pull to Oregon. Women in long dresses fanned themselves, and scouts stumbled out of saloons, kissing pretty girls goodbye till next time, assuming they once again survived the road across the plains and mountains of young America.
Interestingly, although the pioneers had access to laudanum, in addition to chloroform, whiskey, beer and wine, not much is heard about addiction among the Conestoga travelers. They probably had no shortage of 10 out of 10 painful conditions from blisters, burns, broken bones, bellyaches and Blackfoot arrows!
Interestingly, although the pioneers had access to laudanum, in addition to chloroform, whiskey, beer and wine, not much is heard about addiction among the Conestoga travelers. They probably had no shortage of 10 out of 10 painful conditions from blisters, burns, broken bones, bellyaches and Blackfoot arrows!