On June 17, 1848, at the Green River Crossing along the Oregon Trail, pioneers faced the choice to ford the river or caulk the wagon and float across. Each method required careful preparation and carried distinct risks and benefits.
The first option is fording the river. This involves treating the river as an extension of the trail. If the water appears shallow and calm, pioneers often preferred this method. The oxen remain yoked to the wagon and pull it directly through the water. Typically, a person walks beside the team to help guide them and avoid hazards in the riverbed.
Covered wagons were originally waterproofed to some degree. They had tar applied on the bottom, which helped prevent water intrusion. However, fording carries inherent dangers. Sudden deep sections might cause the wheels to drop unexpectedly. If this happens, water could spill over the wagon’s sides and flood the cargo and passengers. To mitigate this, pioneers often lashed wagons together front-to-back. If one wagon lost footing or began to drift, the others would help hold it in place, providing greater stability in the current.
The second method, caulking the wagon and floating, was used when the river was too deep or swift for safe fording. This turned the wagon into a makeshift boat. Pioneers plugged cracks and crevices in the wagon bed using scrap cloth and tar to make it watertight. This process required old clothes and tar buckets, as well as various tools like chisels or broken knives to fill all openings effectively.
Some groups enhanced waterproofing by wrapping the outside in animal skins, if available. That said, such practice was less documented and may not have been common on the Green River. When crossing larger rivers, like the Snake River, pioneers tied multiple wagons together. They then unhitched the oxen, which either swam alongside or were ferried across. People sometimes swam or rowed the wagons over, aiming to fight the current safely.
An alternative to these risky maneuvers was the option of hiring a ferry. Entrepreneurs sometimes built ferries, often by repurposing discarded wagon beds. They would modify the wood structure to serve as a small boat for crossing the river. Travelers could then pay a fee to be ferried across along with their wagons and livestock, providing a safer and quicker passage.
| Method | Process | Risks | Preparation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fording | Oxen pull wagon through shallow spots; person guides | Deep spots cause flooding; wagons can drift | Waterproof bottom with tar; lash wagons together |
| Caulking and Floating | Seal cracks with cloth and tar; float or row wagon | Wagons may leak; oxen must swim separately | Gather cloth, tar, tools; tie wagons if multiple |
| Ferry | Pay for a boat constructed from wagon beds | Dependent on ferry availability; cost involved | Locate ferry operator; prepare to pay fee |
In summary, pioneers deciding at the Green River had to assess water depth, current strength, and their resources. Fording was quicker but risked water damage and accidents. Caulking and floating demanded more effort and skill but allowed crossing deeper water. Hiring a ferry reduced physical danger but depended on local services.
- Fording requires shallow, calm river sections and involves oxen pulling the wagon through water.
- Covered wagons were tarred on the bottom for basic waterproofing.
- Grouping wagons together improves stability in fast water.
- Caulking needs sealing all cracks with cloth and tar to create a watertight vessel.
- Oxen typically swim separately during floating crossings.
- Ferries, though less common, offered safer crossings for a fee.
How do I ford the Green River with my covered wagon?
Check if the river looks shallow and safe. Keep oxen attached to the wagon and have someone walk beside them. Lash wagons together with your group for extra stability in currents. Watch for sudden deep spots that may flood the wagon.
What is involved in caulking my wagon to float across the river?
Plug cracks and crevices in the wagon with scrap cloth. Cover these areas with tar to seal them. You may cover the wagon’s outside with animal skins if available to improve waterproofing. Tie wagons together to keep them stable during the crossing.
When should I choose caulking and floating over fording?
Use caulking when the river is too deep or swift for oxen to walk across safely. If water levels make fording risky, caulking your wagon to float can be a better option. Always weigh river depth and current strength before deciding.
Are there any alternatives to fording or floating across the river?
Sometimes local ferries are available. Temporary ferry operators may offer to transport wagons and people across. This can save time and reduce the risk compared to crossing on your own.
How do I prepare my oxen and people for floating the wagon across?
Unhitch the oxen so they can swim separately. Tie wagons together for support. Assign some people to swim or row the wagons across. Make sure everyone stays close to avoid accidents in the current.
