Free land in Oregon and the possibility of finding gold in California lured them westward. At the same time, eastern churches wanted to teach American Indians of the Oregon Country their European ideas of “civilization.” Many simply hoped for a chance to start a new life.
Which direction did people travel on the Oregon Trail?
The Oregon Trail was a 2,170-mile (3,490 km) east–west , large-wheeled wagon route and emigrant trail in the United States that connected the Missouri River to valleys in Oregon.
Why did people travel on the Oregon trails?
Travelers were inspired by dreams of gold and rich farmlands , but they were also motivated by difficult economic times in the east and diseases like yellow fever and malaria that were decimating the Midwest around 1837.
Why did Pioneers Go West?
Settlers traveled west because they wanted to expand their dominion and wanted more freedom . They believed God told them they were destined to govern the entirety of North American territory. They thought that God gave them the right to take the land in the West.
What was the Oregon Trail and why was it important?
The Oregon Trail, which stretched for about 2,000 miles (3,200 km), flourished as the main means for hundreds of thousands of emigrants to reach the Northwest from the early 1840s through the 1860s . It crossed varied and often difficult terrain that included large territories occupied by Native Americans.
What was the halfway point for travelers on the Oregon Trail?
South Pass marks the halfway point of the Oregon Trail, a powerful symbolic landmark that lacked any distinguishing feature which we would actually think of as a landmark. Here, the emigrants crossed the Continental Divide and the eastern boundary of Oregon Territory.
What was it like to travel west on the Oregon Trail?
A lot of the time the pioneers walked alongside the wagons. Traveling wasn’t too bad with the wagons on the flat terrain of the prairies, but once the settlers reached the Rocky Mountains, getting the wagons up and down steep trails was very difficult . Traveling the Oregon Trail in the 1800s was a dangerous journey.
Why did immigrants travel west?
Gold rush and mining opportunities (silver in Nevada) The opportunity to work in the cattle industry; to be a “cowboy” Faster travel to the West by railroad; availability of supplies due to the railroad. The opportunity to own land cheaply under the Homestead Act.
What did pioneers do when they got to Oregon?
Emigrants could corral and graze their animals at the Farm while, for 50 cents, they dined on large portions of beef, potatoes, slaw, and biscuits. At Oregon City, after six months of grueling travel over 2000 miles, newcomers might rest a bit and resupply in town at establishments such as Abernethy’s Store.
Why did immigrants go to Oregon?
Despite some measures to discourage immigration, the state experienced explosive growth. Newcomers frequently cited the state’s clean air and water, small cities, and scenic natural environment as reasons for migrating to Oregon.
Can you still travel the Oregon Trail?
Following the Oregon Trail looks a bit different than it did in 1843, but you’ll still be driving the same 2,000 miles our ancestors did. However, travelers who want a truly authentic experience can still traverse the Oregon Trail as it was done in the mid-1800s, known as the Oregon National Historic Trail route.
What are some fun facts about the Oregon Trail?
- The Oregon Trail didn’t follow a single set path. ...
- A pair of Protestant missionaries made one of the trail’s first wagon crossings. ...
- The iconic Conestoga wagon was rarely used on the Oregon Trail. ...
- The trail was littered with discarded supplies.
Could travelers get supplied along the Oregon Trail?
Supplies for a trip on the Oregon Trail are included in Job Carr Cabin Museum’s traveling trunks for schools . Families would also bring personal favorite foods, clothes, supplies, books and furniture, but had to be very mindful of weight. The recommended weight limit for the wagons was 2,000 pounds.
Did the Oregon Trail follow a river?
As the trail developed it became marked by numerous cutoffs and shortcuts from Missouri to Oregon. The basic route follows river valleys as grass and water were absolutely necessary.
What was the most popular jumping off point in the early years of the Oregon Trail?
Independence was by far the most popular point of departure in the Trail’s early years.
What did pioneers travel in to get to Oregon?
They followed a route blazed by fur traders, which took them west along the Platte River through the Rocky Mountains via the easy South Pass in Wyoming and then northwest to the Columbia River. In the years to come, pioneers came to call the route the Oregon Trail .
What were two purposes for the forts on the Oregon Trail?
During the 1800’s, the U.S. Government and other companies built forts along the Oregon, Califor- nia and Mormon Trails to protect the emigrants traveling west and to also provide supplies for these wagon trains .
