The Conestoga Wagon

Front:
CONESTO 29 1988 FEB NES FEB 29 1988 17516 Conestoga Wagon 1800s 17516 Henry Knox Conestoga Wa516, 1800s 3. 3. 8. Banil PA CON

Back:
THE CONESTOGA WAGON First Day of Issue: February 29, 1988 First Issue Location: Conestoga, Pennsylvania In the 1800's, caravans of Conestogas often stretched end to end across the prairie, as far as the eye could see. Weighing three thousand pounds, each wagon was home to a pioneer, making his way to a new life. Looking like boats on wheels, the Conestogas were nicknamed “Prairie Schooners," and covered twenty to twenty-five miles a day. Pulled by teams of horses, the wagons also hauled freight. In winter, when ice formed over the road- ways, the wooden wheels were replaced with runners, and suddenly the delivery of freight improved even more. More weight per horse could be pulled by the Conestoga sled, and two horses could take the place of the four needed in other seasons. Thus, the Conestoga — with the help of American ingenuity — became a year-round vehicle, perhaps the most functional of the time. The First Day Ceremony for this stamp was held at the Fire Hall in Conestoga, Pennsylvania, and guest speakers ad- dressed attendees in a most appropriate fashion: from the bed of an authentic, 16-foot Conestoga Wagon. No. 88-12 ©1988 The Maximum Card Collection A Division of Unicover Corporation . Cheyenne, WY 82008-0007 Original painting by Basil Smith.