The Anglo settlers in The United States during the 1800s played a significant role in the state’s history, contributing to its cultural and political development. Their arrival and settlement in in The United States had a lasting impact on the region and its interactions with the broader history of the United States.
The end of the War of 1812 marked the beginning of a significant movement of Anglo-Saxon pioneers. Confined to the east coast by territorial claims, Native American populations, and geographical features, they soon crossed the Allegheny Mountains and headed west. These eager pioneers viewed the west as a land of great opportunity and hope. Using Conestoga wagons, they traveled to the Mississippi River, and then used prairie schooners to cross the western plains. The westward-bound settlers were of various ages and genders, but a large portion consisted of young men seeking independence from their families and looking to start a new life. While some had enough money to buy a farm right away, most had to work and save to secure land or start a business. When entire families moved, the process became more complex. They sold their possessions in the east before the journey to accommodate limited space in the wagon and to fund their new start.
The Conestoga wagon, known as the “vehicle of empire,” originated from Pennsylvania Dutch craftsmen in Lancaster. They also invented the Kentucky rifle, a prized possession for frontiersmen. The Conestoga wagon was a sturdy, broad-wheeled structure, primarily used to navigate poorly drained and sink-holed roads. It was painted with patriotic colors—blue for the under parts, red for the upper parts, and white canvas covering the top. Most Conestogas were pulled by a team of four horses, but some were pulled by oxen. Due to poor brakes, logs were fastened to the back of the wagon on steep downhill grades to control speed and assist the animals. Only essential items could fit inside the wagons, with implements being of top priority.
