More Conestoga Wheels....

These were put out this morning.......     The large rim is the real wheel, the smaller rim is the front wheel.   The smaller front wheels made for easier entry, and lower whiffle trees where the the horses and oxen were hitched.   The wagons were really were taller than the backs of horses and oxen.   The traces, whited connected the teams need to be lower so the teams were pulling forward, not up, thereby making for more efficient power and energy.
It amazes me how clever and smart people were during the 17 and 1800's!!!