In the early 1800’s, the United States began exploring the new country. Through the pioneer journeys of Lewis and Clark, the Astor expedition, the North West Company and the Hudson Bay Company, a new unsettled area emerged in the Pacific Northwest portion of the country. One of the main routes for the pioneers was the Oregon Trail.
The Oregon Trail began in 1841 as a way for farmers, ranchers, miners and businessmen to reach the Pacific Northwest. Until the transcontinental railroad was completed, the Oregon Trail was the main path for westward expansion of the country.
The trail began in Missouri and the 2,000 mile trek went through the states of Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho and Oregon. From this route, travelers also ended up in what is now known as Colorado, Utah, California, Washington and Montana. The typical journey on the Oregon Trail began in April when the weather started to clear and would take four to six months to complete.
The travel on the Oregon Trail was difficult and dangerous. People traveling on the Oregon Trail used horse drawn wagons, trail horses and ox drawn wagons. In the wagons, travelers carried their families, clothing, equipment and food. They needed to have a sufficient supply of items to last a journey of up to six months. In addition, they would also carry items that could be traded with Indians that they met along the way.
Traveling on the Oregon Trail was also expensive for pioneers. The typical traveler on the trail would need to purchase provisions to last through the journey, which could cost them several hundred dollars per person. However, others were able to travel the trail without cost, by working on the wagon trains.
The journey on the Oregon Trail was very dangerous. Traveling thousands of miles through all types of terrain and weather was a challenge. Thousands of travelers perished in the journeys because of disease, Indian attacks, freezing, drowning and shootings. Out the approximate 400,000 travelers on the Oregon Trail, it is estimated at nearly 16,000 travelers, or 4%, died on the trail.
However, the Oregon Trail was vital for the growth of the United States. The Oregon Trail allowed travelers the opportunity to explore and settle new areas of the country. Areas that was ripe for farming, mining and development. Despite the dangers that were encountered en route, the pioneers were able to help chart a new path that would continue.
The ultimate development of the intercontinental railroad system, led to the decline and end of the use of the Oregon Trail. To help you understand the Oregon Trail, we have compiled a collection of helpful resources: