Red River Cart

[RileyMN]

Okay, so I probably would not actually travel with it... but anyone here ever built a Red River-style ox cart?

[Rod]

No, but there are a couple in my area. Ft. Union has one, built by a fellow down at Joliet, MT. There's another at Trenton Lake park---Trenton's a Métis community about ten miles east of Ft. Union, or straight north of me across the Missouri. I don't know who built that one, it was done in the last couple of years, though. Sits below the flagpole at the park---where they fly the Métis flag, appropriately enough. There are a couple of originals owned by the ND State Historical Society, as well.

Always looked like a fun project, like something I might try when I have time (when I'm 80? :. If I remember correctly, the artist Lee Teter built one and donated it to the Museum of the Fur Trade---might try tracking him down.

Rod

[RileyMN]

You know, There was one at the Minn History center in St. Paul a couple years ago, but it was going to be a temporary display. Somebody up there might know where it went...

Thanks Rod!

[dgras]

The city of Albert lea owned a replica theywanted to sell. The Minn Hist. Soc. cart is only wheels and frame but would be agood pattern. The best cart I know of is the one in the North Dakota historical society as it has intact sides and is not as weathered so the details are clearer like spoke shapes, etc. The museum of the fur trade quarterly had an article with drawings, but I cannot remember what was measured for these plans. You might contact Lower Fort Garry in Winnipeg, they have a few reproductions and would probably have plans. They are a great thing that has been largely left out of reenacting. Also two wheeled "charettes" and two wheeled conestoga like carts were very common and went to rendezvous.
When your cart is finished make some period earplugs so you can stand the groaning of ungreased wheels.
Dale G.