Civil War Wagons. The 6 Mule Wagon. 1. 6 mule Wagon ideal 3,730 pounds of cargo plus 270 pounds of storage.
2. 6 mule Wagon practical 2000 pounds of cargo 3000 lbs forage or 2,600 lbs of ammunition or hospital supplies.
3. Ambulance 4-10 weather standing or laying down.
4. Horses consume 28-32 lbs of fodder or grass a day and 8 gallons of water daily 25-30% becomes waste
At the end of a 12 mile average march the six mules would require 180 pounds of forage and 48 gallons (288 lbs ) of water. They then had to be unharnessed and rubbed down and then the teamster had to look at the animals and see if they where in good health. I have done that and its a lot of hard work . Wagons where used in every theater of the War both North & South. Planning for am army 1000,000 called for 2,500 supply wagons 35,00 animals. Grants 1864 campaign had 4,300 wagons. So tomorrow it will be railroads and steam boats. I hope this is going to be interesting to you guys. Willie