About the Fort Seward, Inc. Covered Wagon Train, family orientated, reviving the Pioneer spirit annually.

Fort Seward, Inc. Covered Wagon Train pulled by draft horse


	WE ACCEPT PAYPAL! Children find traveling in a actual covered wagon, an adventure worth remembering.

	Comment from a Director: "It's like an adventure story from Little House on the Prairie. It's about family and the good of being together."

Fort Seward, Inc. Covered Wagon Train since 1969

WHERE DOES THE WAGON TRAIN START:
The wagon train starts at the historic Fort Seward Park, overlooking the city of Jamestown, North Dakota, U.S.A. The Fort Seward Park was once the site of a U.S. Infantry Post. Jamestown is located in lower central North Dakota, along the Interstate 94 which is routed as a part of the scenic Lewis and Clark Trail route, enjoyed by numerous summer vacationers. The Fort Seward Park, which is located on the NW edge of the city, also displays a huge American Flag.

Wagon Train Registration, photo by J. Turner

ABOUT THE FORT SEWARD, INC. WAGONS:
The wagon train consists mainly of canvas-topped, flare boxed, wooden wheeled wagons, just like those seen jostling about in western movies. The flare box wagon was the wagon of choice, for those pioneer farmers that came into the Dakotas, as they could latter be used to haul the harvest from the prairie. An experienced "teamster" is assigned to drive each wagon. Wagons are powered by teams of draft horses and sometimes mules. Most common draft horses used during the wagons are the breeds of Belgiums and Percherans. The wagon train is equipped with a "chuck wagon" which, needless to say, becomes the center of attention.

Covered wagons on the trail, photo by L. Deutscher

ON THE TRAIL:
On the trail the daily schedule begins early while the sun is still young. Breakfast is eaten, gear is packed, and the wagon train moves out. The wagons string out in a line, bordered by riders and walkers in small groups. The wagon train averages 3-4 miles per hour, depending on how "hard" everyone pushes up those steeper hills.

There is a noon stop for lunch. In the evening the wagons are circled at our campsite. Then the horses are cared for while preparations for supper are made. In camp, activities involving arts and crafts, camp-crafts and nature lore spring up. Trail riders are encouraged to bring their musical instruments, craft material, etc., and to share them. Singing, skits, history talks and sharing stories around the campfire signal the end of the day.

Participants start to gather around the campfire, photo by J. Turner

HISTORY
The wagon train will stop at known historical sites, marked and unmarked along the way. Often there will be a few words on the significance of the site. The wagon train itself is several steps back into history, and Fort Seward, Inc. encourages all trail riders to participate enthusiastically in these recollections and this sharing of historical knowledge.

Fort Seward, Inc. annual family trail ride

Fort Seward, Inc. annual covered wagon train, relive the pioneer spirit