Oregon Trail
The Oregon Trail is one of the most important trails and events in history. The trail started from Independence, Missouri and ended in the Colombian River in Oregon and another separate trail into California. It is also known as the Oregon-California Trail. This path allowed early pioneers to migrate into western United States. Marcus and Narcissa Whitman were the first emigrants to make the trip in 1836. However, the first mass migration did not start until 1843 when 1000 pioneers traveled together. The trail was the only way migrants could travel by land. They used mules and oxen to pull their covered wagons. Some of the pioneers went to Oregon to farm while others made their way to California to dig for gold. This trail was difficult and took weary travelers 4-6 months by land. The sea route would have taken them twice the time.
In spring, emigrants camped in Missouri till grass grew on the trail. This would ensure food for the animals pulling the heavy wagons. Campers made preparations for food and water to take with them. But often, they over packed and had to get rid of some of their belongings along the way. Their travel was complicated due to problems of being run over by wagons or accidental gunshots. Diseases such as Cholera also caused fatalities. Summer thunderstorms killed people by lightning strikes. The emigrants feared the Native Americans, but actually they were very friendly. There were very few casualties due to war, such as the Grattan Massacre, which could have been avoided. The settlers in Oregon and California were searching for a new life, either in farming or setting up gold mines. This is an example of Manifest Destiny, in which Americans continued to migrate westward.
In spring, emigrants camped in Missouri till grass grew on the trail. This would ensure food for the animals pulling the heavy wagons. Campers made preparations for food and water to take with them. But often, they over packed and had to get rid of some of their belongings along the way. Their travel was complicated due to problems of being run over by wagons or accidental gunshots. Diseases such as Cholera also caused fatalities. Summer thunderstorms killed people by lightning strikes. The emigrants feared the Native Americans, but actually they were very friendly. There were very few casualties due to war, such as the Grattan Massacre, which could have been avoided. The settlers in Oregon and California were searching for a new life, either in farming or setting up gold mines. This is an example of Manifest Destiny, in which Americans continued to migrate westward.