What is a distinguishing feature of the Red River cart?

• A. It has four wheels and is made of iron
• B. It is a wheel-less sled
• C. It has two wheels and is made of wood
• D. It is a canoe on wheels

Answer: (C)

The defining trait is that it has two wheels and is built primarily from wood. The Red River cart was created by Métis on the Red River Settlement to haul furs and goods across the prairie. Its simple, two-wheeled, wooden frame made it light, durable, and easy to repair in the field—a practical design for navigating uneven prairie terrain. This two-wheel, wooden construction sets it apart from other vehicle forms like four-wheeled wagons, wheel-less sleds, or canoes on wheels, which don’t share this distinctive combination.