Kronau Marvelous Museum & Creative Corner

Artist: Mark Ens

In the 19th Century, the prairies were criss-crossed by the Red River Cart. These carts, made entirely of wood by the Métis, were often pulled by a single horse, pony, or ox. With their two large wheels, they could carry up to 950 pounds of freight. Many times, cart trains consisting of several carts tied together with leather would deliver goods and trade across the plains. The Red River cart was the main form of transportation for the Métis, and it could easily be repaired using wood from the plentiful trees found in the coulees during their long journeys. In Michif, the cart was called “aen wagon” or “aen charet.”