1855 six mule army wagon

[cplchrisv]

Thanks to everyone who helped me with my color scheme on my wagon.
Now I need to know where I can get information, pictures, plans or parts vendors for a model 1855 six mule army escort wagon. I would like to learn everything about this wagon including the nomenclature of the various parts.
Any help would be really appreciated


cplchrisv (soon to be Qtr Master Sgt Chris)

[Craig Wolfe]

Re: 1855 six mule army wagon

Chris,

Seems like they have one in the Atlanta History Center, maybe they could offer some help.

Craig Wolfe

[tmattimore]

Re: 1855 six mule army wagon

For the harness try the COMH website they had an article detailing the the 1870 changes to the harness. it may be on line. For terminology there is a two issue article on the devolpment of the ambulance which should give you period nomenclature.
Also try Carriage Assoc of America reprints by Dover.
For vendors the principal one for the Utah expedition was the Studebaker co.(Bros?)

[cplchrisv]

Re: 1855 six mule army wagon

I Hate To Sound Stupid But What Is The Comh? Is It The College Of Military History?


Cpl Chris Vukovich
1st Missouri Light Artillery

[tmattimore]

Re: 1855 six mule army wagon

Company of military historians. Vol.XVIII no 3 fall 1966. The name of the periodical is "Military Collector and Historian Journal of the Company of Military Historians"

[Dennis W. Duerbeck]

Re: 1855 six mule army wagon

I may be able to give you some information on the mules and the wagon. There is a book titled, " The Mule. A Treatise On The Breeding, Training, And Uses, To Which He May Be Put." By Harvey Riley, Superintendent Of The Government Corral, Washington, D.C. New York: Dick & Fitzgerald, Publishers, 18 Ann Street.. 1867 I am fortunate enough to have an original edition as well as a reprint copy of this work. In it you will find various information on the Army mule for the Civil War period. There is a section of 14 plates that not only show a six mule team hitched to a probable Government wagon but also each of the six numbered mules have a history on their war service AND show their harness. The author makes mention of two sizes of Government wagons and also of a civillian type. He even provides the name of the type of civillian wagon -- "Wheeler". Using a Google search should lead you to a current wagon web site . There is also a current Draught horse/mule /oxen magazine available. This particular interest and hobby is still popular today. The exact title of this mag escapes me now but can probably be found along with that current wagon site. An excellent source for a book locator is AbeBooks.com. There should be bookshops listed that have the above 1867 mule book, in reprint, available. If not then I could provide you with copies from this book. Since there is much information in the book you may just search and buy a copy. If you are able then travel to the Atlanta History Center and see that original Army wagon. How about the Army Quartermaster Museum In Virginia? I've not been there myself but would suggest some sort of investigation. One more item and that is the abbreviation for The Company of Military Historians. It is CMH. We do have a web site and there may be a Journal that may help you. Our Administrator is Dave Sullivan. Good Luck -- Dennis W. Duerbeck

[cplchrisv]

Re: 1855 six mule army wagon

I would like to go to the Quartermaster museum and the Atlanta history center as well as the Army transportation museum at Ft Eustis Va. They are sending me info on my wagon. I also got the original plans from another reenactor who built a wagon that was bought by the NPS for display

Cpl Chris Vukovich
1st Mo Light Artillery

[Craig L Barry]

Re: 1855 six mule army wagon

“The Army wagon was strongly built, without springs and painted blue with a canvas cover.”
Guild, Asma. The Mule and the Army Wagon in the Civil War. Published by the Dedham Historical Society. 1902

Of course the wagons were marked according to their specific contents. Good luck with your most worthy project. Besure to find six ornery government mules to pull it.