poTATEos' Red River Carts
I'll Get Ya There, The Old Fashioned Way
Advantages:
- Buoyant; Can Stay Afloat
- Can Carry Up To 1,000 Pounds
- Parts Can Be Repaired Easily
- Made Entirely Of Wood And Animal Hide
- Only cost $209.99
Disadvantages
- Parts Break Easily
- Axles Can Break Up To 6 Times In One Trip
- Axles Cannot Be Greased; Can And Will Make A Very Annoying Sound
History
- These carts were used in the 19th century for the fur trade.
- It was also used in the Westward Expansion to move west.
- Were made from wood and animal hides because nails were very hard to come by in the West.
- Was made with 2 12-foot long shafts. A draft animal would stand between them and pull.
- The cart's started out only being able to carry 450 pounds, after about a year of tinkering, they could carry double that weight.
- Use to use horses as the draft animals, that changed in the 1820s when oxen where used to carry larger loads.
- There were many myths about the carts like that the wheels were wrapped in raw animal hide to keep them from falling off.
Who Invented It?
- It wasn't invented by a single person. It was invented by the Metis and Anglo-Metis people, and is still used today to show Metis Nationalism.
Impact and Importance to North Dakota?
- Allowed fur traders to carry more hides for trading.
- Allowed Native Americans to carry up to half a ton of buffalo hide at a time.
- Help us understand the culture of the Metis people.
In-Color Photo Of Red River Cart
Black and White Photo Of Red River Cart
Red River Cart Pulled By An Ox
Life of a Metis Trapper - Part V: The Red River Cart
Contact Me Or Find Me If Interested
Email: potateo@gmail.com
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Potateos-Red-River-Carts/751127288342103?skip_nax_wizard=true&ref_type=bookmark
Location: North ILiekPie Street
Phone: 701-637-7282
Facebook: facebook.com/potateo
Twitter: @NoTwitterAvailable