Handcarts


After the first Mormon pioneers came to Utah, thousands more came west each year to join them. Because some pioneers could not afford a covered wagon or oxen, they built simple handcarts to take their belongings in on the long trek to Utah. They walked inside the handle frame to pull the two-wheeled cart. Handcarts carried 100 pounds (45 kilograms) of clothing and bedding, while wagons carried tents, pots, pans and food.