True West Magazine
The mother ship of the trail drives was a broad-beamed, sturdily vehicle that carried virtually everything that ten men might need on a prairie voyage that might last as long as five months. Credit for the design of this wagon belongs to cattle baron Charles Goodnight, who in 1866 rebuilt a surplus Army he picked primarily for its durable iron axles. To the basic wagon bed where bulk goods such as foodstuffs and bedrolls could be stored. He added appendages attached a water barrel big enough to hold two days supply of water; on the other a heavy toolbox. On top were two bentwood bows to accommodate a canvas for protection against the sun and rain.