Background of the Conestoga Name
The first Conestoga Wagons, also known as Dutch wagons
in the 1700’s, were modifications  of German and English wagons. The Conestogas, however, had a longer and deeper body with a floor
that sagged towards the middle to keep freight in place on steep inclines. Some craftsmen added extra curvature
to the body to give it more eye appeal. The ends of the wagon body and canvas cover also bore quite a slope.
The first wagons were farm wagons carrying loads up to a ton, while later wagons carried up to six tons and
were considered a form of portable storage. Four to six oxen were used to pull the heaviest loads.
The “Prairie Schooner” is a smaller lighter wagon that evolved from the Conestoga and became
the backbone of western migration until the advent of the railroad which displaced it.
The Conestoga wagon incorporated many innovations that added strength and durability to its service.
For instance, every point of strain was reinforced by iron, and all rubbing parts were given iron plates.
Only seasoned hardwoods were used and the design of the body and carriage gave the wagon an exceptional
maneuverability in rough terrain, given its size and weight. The craftsmen of the day
took great pains to construct a durable and attractive wagon that would give many years of servce.
Like its four-wheeled namesake, Conestoga Builders
prides itself in constructing buildings erected with care and an eye to satisfying its customers. Its storage
buildings add value and versatility to the homeowner, providing
many years of maintenance-free service. Conestoga Builders, in business since 1998, has thousands of satisfied customers gained by distinguishing itself from the competition through
offering superior value, durability and functionality in all its buildings:
- Our prices beat Home Depot and Lowes for comparable units, saving $100's
- Unlike the competition: we only use 3/4" pressure-treated flooring;
- We offer Smartsiding and other primed sidings;
- We apply 15-lb felt under the shingles for roofs that are truly leak-proof
- We use our own seasoned installers: no on-the-job training or outsourcing
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