THe oregon TRail
The Oregon Trail was a major route that people took when migrating to the west. Thousands of people used this trail used between 1841 and 1869. The Oregon Trail began in Independence, Missouri and ended in Oregon City, Oregon. The whole trip was around 2,000 miles and went
through six different states.(Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, and Oregon)
People traveled this 2,000 mile trail in a wagon, which was pulled by an oxen. The wagon not only carried themselves but all of their belongings as well. The travelers could carry very little with them on their trip, considering the fact that there was very little room. Due to this the travelers took only essential items such as food, water, and a few different pairs of clothes. Travelers took this 6 month journey in hope to find a new and better life. When Jedediah Smith first discovered this trail, he came back with news of " fertile soil and towering forests", which soon began to draw people in. Along the way travelers came across very rocky terrain and mountains, which slowed them down a bit. They also faced hardships such as low food supply, broken wagons, their oxen or mule dieing and many more. Even though it slowed them down this trail was essential to them in migrating west.
through six different states.(Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, and Oregon)
People traveled this 2,000 mile trail in a wagon, which was pulled by an oxen. The wagon not only carried themselves but all of their belongings as well. The travelers could carry very little with them on their trip, considering the fact that there was very little room. Due to this the travelers took only essential items such as food, water, and a few different pairs of clothes. Travelers took this 6 month journey in hope to find a new and better life. When Jedediah Smith first discovered this trail, he came back with news of " fertile soil and towering forests", which soon began to draw people in. Along the way travelers came across very rocky terrain and mountains, which slowed them down a bit. They also faced hardships such as low food supply, broken wagons, their oxen or mule dieing and many more. Even though it slowed them down this trail was essential to them in migrating west.
Student written: Oregon trail diary, 1852
May 9th & 10th: We crossed the Missouri River on a ferry. Nothing to see but Indian and Buffalo trails going down to water. Very quiet here, only sounds of the birds chattering and the wings of the locust or the wave made by the wind on the tall grass. Very depressing. The emigrants mostly were in small unstable wagons, there were a few horses but mostly all had oxen. On both sides of the Platte river a continuous stream of prairie schooners could be seen. We saw many Indians riding along on ponies with us. praying for a safe and quick trip to the promise land. - Anna smith
The Gallery above are paintings of what it would have been and felt like traveling through the Oregon Trail.