Early American Historical Artwork

Berks County, Pennsylvania

Once Famous Antique Museum Piece - HOFFA's Conestoga Wagon

Constructed in 1821 or 1822 and driven by HENRY HOFFA,

brother of JACOB HOFFA between MILTON, PA

and Northumberland County and READING, PA and

PHILADELPHIA until 1860

Hoffa Family Conestoga Wagon - Berks County, Pennsylvania
Gelatin silver press photograph with manuscript inscription, dated November 27, 1931

This historically significant photograph documents a Conestoga wagon associated with the Hoffa family of Berks County, Pennsylvania, a family rooted in the Pennsylvania German (commonly called “Pennsylvania Dutch”) cultural tradition. The image is accompanied by a detailed contemporary manuscript inscription, written in 1931, that preserves early oral and documentary memory connected to the wagon’s construction, ownership, and use.

According to the inscription, the wagon was constructed circa 1821–1822 in Berks County, Pennsylvania, and was driven by Henry Hoffa, brother of Jacob Hoffa, along routes between Milton, Pennsylvania; Northumberland County; Reading; and Philadelphia, remaining in use until approximately 1860. The annotation further identifies the photograph as having been taken on November 27, 1931, in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, suggesting the wagon had survived well into the twentieth century.

The Conestoga wagon—developed in southeastern Pennsylvania—was among the most iconic and technically sophisticated vehicles of its time, designed specifically for hauling heavy freight across long distances. Ownership and operation of such a wagon strongly suggest the Hoffa family’s participation in regional trade, transport, and agricultural commerce during the early nineteenth century.

Measures 7.75 x 11.5 inches, suitable for 8x10 Framing

Fine Antique News Press Photo, linen backed and autograph signed

in ink by CHARLES E. HOFFA in 1931