Stuck in the Mud
A wagon with spoked wheels, a spring-seated seat and massive spokes appeared from the mud. The low oxygen levels preserved this piece of history, which included a metal plaque with some telling details.
Oregon Live
The metal plate revealed that the wagon was manufactured in 1875 by Milburn Wagon Company, Toledo, Ohio. At the time, this company was the largest wagon manufacturer in America. The discovery was simple, but it had a huge impact on the community.
The Story
The discovery of the wagon opened up the past. The history of Lake Detroit was not a secret. However, Oregonians may have been unaware and wanted to know what the story behind the wagon with all the stumps is.
Locals fascinated by the wagon soon learned the charming story: In the 1880s, pioneers, likely driving carts similar to the one found by Deputy Dave, left Michigan for Pacific Northwest. They settled along a river.
