Conestoga Wagon Bells 1935 - 1942

Samuel W. Ford created this watercolor painting of Conestoga Wagon Bells sometime in the 20th century. The painting depicts a set of bells, likely intended to adorn a Conestoga wagon, a type of large, heavy wagon that was used extensively in the eastern United States during the late 18th and 19th centuries. The image conjures up the era of westward expansion in America, the wagon acting as both a vehicle for trade and a symbol of settlement. Ford may be reminding us that it was not just pioneers who settled the West. This painting subtly evokes the material culture of everyday life and speaks to the economic and social transformations underway in this period. Historical societies and museums are invaluable resources to consult in understanding the cultural significance of artifacts like these bells. By studying these objects and their histories, we can better understand the complex social and economic forces that shaped American history.