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Monday, May 27, 2019

Civil War Output of Henry Simons' National Wagon Works, Philadelphia Pa.



Standardized Civil War Era "Wheeling Style" Ambulance Design
Photo: Library of Congress




Henry Simons Jr.. son of wheelwright Henry Simons (died 11 August 1851)

In the History of American Manufacturers by Bishop, Vol. 3, page 62, published 1866 is the following:

... During the Rebellion, this was one of the few establishments fully prepared to supply the wants of the Government without delay, and during the war, furnished 10,000 baggage wagons, 4000 ambulances of all kinds, 250 signal corps wagons, 150 medicine wagons, 1000 carts and timber wheels, 1000 wheel barrows, 150 travelling forges, 100 caissons and limbers for artillery, 50,000 tripods, poles and rings for Sibley tents, 1,000,000 spokes, 5,000 hubs, 50,000 wagon hounds, etc., etc."

Above from:
The History of and Old Philadelphia Land Title - 208 South Fourth Street - John Frederick Lewis, 1934

Average price of Simons Philagelphia built wagon $105 to Government 1861 - $308 in 1865.  

After War Philadelphia a hub of carriage manufacturing due to two factors - highest quality of blacksmithing skills and ready access to various woods. 

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