Creative Enrichment Packing a Farmer’s Wagon in 1858

A family’s decision to move to Minnesota was important. As they prepared for their trip, they had many questions. How would they travel there? What time of year was best for traveling? What would they bring?

For answers, they turned to immigrant guidebooks. They also read letters from friends or family who had already emigrated. In the end, though, settlers had to rely on their own judgment about what to bring.

Poor packing decisions could lead to serious problems in the first year, especially for farmers in remote areas. An overpacked wagon was costly and difficult to transport. Forgetting to pack an important item could also be disastrous.

Make a list.

Imagine you are part of an immigrant family moving to Minnesota in 1858.

Read through the list of possible items to pack in your wagon. Note how many points each item is worth. A higher number means an item is difficult to move or very valuable.

On a separate sheet of paper, list the items you choose to bring and describe why. Remember the following when packing for your move:

1. Your total points may not be more than 60.

2. You must give at least one reason for every item you bring.

3. You will be farming, so you will not be able to visit the town frequently. Your first trip to town will happen one month after you arrive.

4. You may bring more than one of each item, but you must add up all the points (for example, 1 pillow = 1 point; 2 pillows = 2 points).