The Oregon Trail
Explorers and fur traders first traced the Oregon Trail, the longest overland routes used in the westward expansion of the United States. Settlers began following the trail in 1841. The first large group of about 900 immigrants used the trail in the "Great Migration" of 1843. In that year, a provisional government was organized in Oregon. The Oregon Country's northern boundary was set in 1846, and the Territory of Oregon was formed in 1848 as over 12,000 people made the journey in that decade.
Families usually began their journey at Independence, Missouri near the Missouri River. The journey in a covered wagon took six months; following a winding 2,000-mile trail through prairies, deserts, and across mountains to the Pacific Northwest. The journey was a severe test of strength and endurance. Settlers often had to cross-flooded rivers. Indians attacked the wagon trains but out of the 10,000 deaths that occurred from 1835 to 1855, only 4% resulted from Indian attacks. Cholera, smallpox, and firearms accidents were the main causes of death on the trail. Food, water, and wood were always in short supply, and the travelers often encountered contaminated water holes. During summer, the trail was crowded with wagon trains, army units, missionaries, hunting parties, traders, and even sightseeing tours. Some travelers complained that they sometimes had to stop early in the day in order to find a good campsite ahead of the crowd. Others spoke of the need to wear masks for protection against the dust kicked up by the heavy traffic.
Explorers and fur traders first traced the Oregon Trail, the longest overland routes used in the westward expansion of the United States. Settlers began following the trail in 1841. The first large group of about 900 immigrants used the trail in the "Great Migration" of 1843. In that year, a provisional government was organized in Oregon. The Oregon Country's northern boundary was set in 1846, and the Territory of Oregon was formed in 1848 as over 12,000 people made the journey in that decade.
Families usually began their journey at Independence, Missouri near the Missouri River. The journey in a covered wagon took six months; following a winding 2,000-mile trail through prairies, deserts, and across mountains to the Pacific Northwest. The journey was a severe test of strength and endurance. Settlers often had to cross-flooded rivers. Indians attacked the wagon trains but out of the 10,000 deaths that occurred from 1835 to 1855, only 4% resulted from Indian attacks. Cholera, smallpox, and firearms accidents were the main causes of death on the trail. Food, water, and wood were always in short supply, and the travelers often encountered contaminated water holes. During summer, the trail was crowded with wagon trains, army units, missionaries, hunting parties, traders, and even sightseeing tours. Some travelers complained that they sometimes had to stop early in the day in order to find a good campsite ahead of the crowd. Others spoke of the need to wear masks for protection against the dust kicked up by the heavy traffic.
