This story begins in 1819 when Oregon was claimed by four nations: Russia, Spain, Great Britain, and the United States. 

By the time of 1825, Russia and Spain gave up their claims on Oregon. This left Great Britain and the United States agreeing on peace for Oregon.

Meet Lewis and Clark! The U.S' claim on Oregon was based on their expedition. Lewis and Clark thought many more Americans would follow their trails; however, it was far to rugged for ordinary travelers. 

Hello, I am Jedediah Smith! I discovered a passage through the Rocky Mountains called South Pass. The South Pass was low and flat for wagons. Now, Oregon was open for settlers to seek their fortunes!

The first American settlers to travel to Oregon through the South Pass were missionaries. They wrote letters describing Oregon's glowing soil and was later described as a "pioneer's paradise."

In 1843, over 1,000 pioneers traveled to Oregon. Soon after, the Oregon Fever had broke out. Oregon was now raging!

Oregon Fever continued to rise and played a huge role in Polk's campaign for the 1844 presidential campaign.