This covered wagon replica sits in the pumpkin patch in Flower Mound (minus the cover). The covered wagon has an interesting history throughout the United States, but when the thought is conjured up most people tend to think of the smaller covered wagons used in the old west.
The covered wagon even has a few common phrases attached to it's name. Its not unusual to hear someone say "they circled the wagons" or "line your wagons up". Can you think of any more off the top of your head?
Over the years covered wagons developed, but even in their most advanced stages, they were still quite uncomfortable and not very pleasing to the eye. But they got the job done for thousands of explorers and families who trekked out west in search of fortunes or an escape from the big cities. The covered wagons were able to hold a plentiful amount of supplies as well as people, and the covered bed provided a little protection from the elements.
Typically nothing more than a box wagon with a tent pulled over hooped slats, it sat on an axle and was pulled by a team of horses or mules. As time passed, rudimentary "shock absorbers" were added, as was a better ventilation system for the tent.
At night, and in times of danger, the wagons would be circled together (see quote above), which provided a place of relative safety in the middle, as well as a 360 degree view for the lookouts.
Some of today's traffic laws started as "wagon laws", such as using a signal to turn, parking, and many times- speed limits.
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