File:Marvels of the new West - a vivid portrayal of the stupendous marvels in the vast wonderland west of the Missouri River - comprising marvels of nature, marvels of race, marvels of enterprise, marvels (14578438647).jpg

Identifier: marvelsofnewwest1889thay (find matches)
Title: Marvels of the new West : a vivid portrayal of the stupendous marvels in the vast wonderland west of the Missouri River : comprising marvels of nature, marvels of race, marvels of enterprise, marvels of mining, marvels of stock-raising, and marvels of agriculture, graphically and truthfully described
Year: 1887 (1880s)
Authors: Thayer, William Makepeace, 1820-1898
Subjects:
Publisher: Norwich, Conn. : Henry Bill Pub. Co.
Contributing Library: Harold B. Lee Library
Digitizing Sponsor: Brigham Young University

View Book Page: Book Viewer
About This Book: Catalog Entry
View All Images: All Images From Book
Click here to view book online to see this illustration in context in a browseable online version of this book.

Text Appearing Before Image:
FARGO AND WELLS EXPRESS. firms in Atchison, Kan., and he says: In 1865 this place wasthe principal point on the Missouri River, from which freight wasforwarded to the Great West, including Colorado, Utah, Montana,etc. There were loaded at this place 4,480 wagons, drawn by 7,310mules, and 29,720 oxen. To control and drive these trains, an armyof 5,610 men was employed. The freight taken by these trainsamounted to 27,000 tons. Add to these authenticated accounts theestimated business of the other shipping points, and the amount is MARVELS OF ENTERPRISE. 265 somewhat astounding. Competent authority estimated the amountof freights shipped during that season from Kansas City, Leaven-worth, St. Joe, Omaha, and Plattsmouth, as being fully equal, if not (ilipiiVlllllllllllllllPIIIlim^
Text Appearing After Image:
more than was shipped from Atchison, with a corresponding num-ber of men, wagons, mules, and oxen. Assuming these estimates tabe correct, we have this result: During 1865, there were employedin this business 8,960 wagons, 14,620 mules, 59,440 cattle, and 11,220 266 MARVELS OF THE NEW WEST. men, who moved to its destination 54,000 tons of freight. To accom-plish this, the enormous sum of $7,289,300 was invested in teams andwagons alone. Along the south bank of the Platte River, emigrant trains, withtheir white-covered wagons, together with immense freight-trains,rolled in almost one unbroken line. Sometimes these trains ex-tended without a break as far as the eye could see, presenting avery novel and inspiring scene. Many of the teams were a novel spectacle, on account of theirlength and the great loads carried. Mining tools and machinery andagricultural implements were all conveyed in this manner over theplains, before the railroad was constructed. We think, however, thatno team was e

Note About Images