My ggg grandmother left Indiana in late 1852 and arrived by ship to San Francisco, CA, via Panama on 14 Jan 1852. "Family lore" says her dining room table (in MY dining room) came around the horn on a ship.

I am just beginning the process of trying to validate that "lore."

I have more than one question:
1 - in 1851 how would she have traveled from Indiana to Panama?
2 - Is it likely she and/or her furniture really did go around the horn on a ship?
3 - Where/how do I find records of CARGO on ships?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Barbara