PRAIRIE-SCHOONER Meaning and
Definition
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A "prairie-schooner" refers to a type of covered wagon that was commonly used by settlers and pioneers in the United States during the 19th century to traverse the expansive prairies and plains of the American West. The term "prairie-schooner" is derived from the resemblance of these wagons to sailing ships, as they had a white canvas cover that resembled the sails of a schooner.
Typically, a prairie-schooner had a wooden frame and large, spoked wheels to withstand the rigors of long journeys across rough terrain. It was constructed with an arched canvas cover that provided protection against the elements and could be rolled up during favorable weather conditions to allow fresh air and visibility. The wagons were drawn by teams of oxen or horses and were often loaded with supplies, tools, and personal belongings for the long and arduous journey.
Prairie-schooners were instrumental in the westward expansion of the United States, as they allowed pioneers to transport their families and possessions to new territories. These wagons played a vital role in the settlement of regions such as the Oregon Trail and the California Gold Rush, enabling migration and trade in often difficult and remote areas.
The image of the prairie-schooner has become iconic in American history, symbolizing the adventurous spirit and resilience of the pioneers who sought a better life in the untamed lands of the West. Today, the term "prairie-schooner" is often used metaphorically to evoke a sense of the pioneering spirit or to describe any covered wagon used for transportation or recreation.
Common Misspellings for PRAIRIE-SCHOONER
- -prairie schooner
- prarie schooner
- prairie schoner
- prayrie schooner
- prairiepschooner
- prairie0-schooner
- prairie-0schooner
- prairiep-schooner
- prairie-pschooner
- prairie--schooner
- prairiemschooner
- prheirie-schooner
- prerrie-schooner
- prairie-schoeoner
- prairie-schowonr
Etymology of PRAIRIE-SCHOONER
The word "prairie-schooner" has an interesting etymology. "Prairie" refers to the vast grasslands found in North America, particularly in the central United States and Canada. Meanwhile, "schooner" is a term commonly associated with a certain type of sailing ship.
The term "prairie-schooner" originated during the 19th century when settlers were migrating westward in the United States. These settlers relied on covered wagons to transport their belongings across the great plains. These wagons had a distinct white canvas cover that resembled the sails of a schooner ship. As a result, the wagons became known as "prairie-schooners".
The etymology is thus a combination of the landscape being crossed (prairie) and the resemblance of the wagons to ships (schooner).
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