wagon train

American  

noun

U.S. History.

1. a train of wagons and horses, as one carrying military supplies or transporting settlers in the westward migration.

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wagon train British  

noun

1. a supply train of horses and wagons, esp one going over rough terrain

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Etymology

Origin of wagon train

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

In October 1849, members of trail leader Jefferson Hunt’s Mojave San Joaquin Company wagon train grew impatient with Hunt’s pace and his preferred route, known as the Old Spanish Trail.

From National Geographic • Jul. 25, 2023

The grueling trip will require enduring three tedious weeks of crude travel conditions via coal-fueled locomotive, mule-drawn Erie Canal packet boat, steamship and wagon train.

From Washington Post • Apr. 5, 2023

She joined a wagon train of 56 travelers, 34 of them enslaved.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 25, 2022

“The wagon train era also happened during the time of the Civil War, so race was the most important issue at the time,” he said.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 2, 2022

The wagon train returns later in the afternoon with balloons tied to their chairs and silly hats on their heads.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen