The Oregon Trail

What was the Oregon Trail?

The Oregon Trail was the route used by thousands of people to cross from the east, over the Great Plains, to the west. It was 3,200km long.

Where was the Oregon Trail?

The trail started in Independence, Missouri, and finished in Oregon City.

How did people travel on the Oregon Trail?

Pioneers travelled along the Oregon Trail by foot, horseback, or with wagons. They had to bring enough food for the entire journey, as well as the things they needed for their new life. Wagons were often pulled by oxen as they were strong, but they were very slow.

Why did people travel the Oregon Trail?

People wanted to move west, as they had heard of rich farming lands which they could obtain for free. The economic conditions in the east were not good, so people saw it as a new opportunity.

At what time of year did people travel the Oregon Trail?

People were advised not to travel the Oregon Trail in winter, as it froze, and not to travel until April at the earliest. This would allow the grass to grow, so that their animals could graze along the route.

Why did settlers not use an alternative to the Oregon Trail?

People could travel by sea to Oregon, but it was extremely expensive. Each journey cost $300, and the journey could take a year. Taking the overland trail cost them the price of a wagon and supplies.

Who established the Oregon Trail?

Jedediah Smith established the Oregon Trail in 1825, when he discovered the South Pass through the Rocky Mountains.

Who were the first migrants with a wagon to use the Oregon Trail?

In 1836, two couples were the first to travel the Oregon Trail with a covered wagon for purposes other than trade. Narcissa and Marcus Whitman, and Henry and Eliza Spalding, were Christian missionaries.

What other examples of people travelling the Oregon Trail are there?

Once it was open, many groups used the Oregon Trail. It was safer to travel in groups with a range of skills. They formed 'wagon trains'.

• ❖ In 1840, the Walker family travelled the trail, with their 5 children.
• ❖ A group of 60 completed the trail in 1841, and another 100 in 1842.
• ❖ The 'Great Emigration' of 1843 saw Marcus Whitman leading 900 people along the trail.
• ❖ By 1846, an estimated 5,000 people had used the Oregon Trail to migrate west.

How did the government help people use the Oregon Trail?

The American government wanted people to use the Oregon Trail and move west, so they spent money on mapping and publishing reports on the trail. In 1841 the government spent $30,000 on promoting the trail.

What problems were there using the Oregon Trail?

There were many difficulties in travelling the Oregon Trail, and it is believed that around 20,000 people died on the trail, including the famous Donner Party. The main problems were:

• ❖ Getting stuck.
• ❖ Drowning while crossing rivers.
• ❖ Accidents with wagons.
• ❖ Illness and disease, such as cholera.
• ❖ Running out of supplies.
• ❖ Fear of attack from Native Americans, although there are no recorded accounts of any.
• ❖ The length of the journey. The average journey on the Oregon Trail took four months.