Chapter 1 = Oregon Territory

Chapter 2 = Reasons to go

Chapter 3 = Distance

Chapter 4 = Loading the wagon

Chapter 5 = Crossing water

Chapter 6 = Dangers on the trail

Chapter 7 = A Night on the trail

Chapter 8 = Native Americans

Chapter 9 = Important Landmarks

Chapter 10 = Setting up home

Where was Oregon Territory?

Around 1845, following the Louisiana Purchase, the size of the United States greatly increased. President Thomas Jefferson wanted people to explore the land. When Lewis and Clark returned from their journey, many Americans were excited about the news of free land and green space. Therefore they began heading to Oregon. The territory is now the states of Oregon, Wyoming, and Idaho.

Why did pioneers travel

west to Oregon?

Pioneers traveled west to Oregon Territory for many different reasons depending on their job. For instance, a farmer would travel west to Oregon in the hopes of free farmland and more crops. A carpentar might travel west in the hopes of starting a new business. No matter the profession, everyone who traveled west wanted a better life.

How long was the

Journey west?

The pioneers walked about 2,000 miles from Independence, MO to Oregon Territory. On a good day people could walk up to 20 miles. Ideally, you would leave around March when the grass is good for the oxen and arrive in Oregon before winter set in. If trains were trapped in the snowy mountains for the winter, they would not make it.

What did pioneers pack for the trip?

Pioneers packed only the necessity when traveling west. The Conestoga wagon offered limited space and oxen could only carry about 1500 pounds. The most important provisions were food - bacon, beans, flour, salt, and coffee. Items were needed to prepare the food such as a cooking pot and flint and steal to start the fire. Family heirlooms such as bibles, photos, or blankets to stay warm were also important as they could not be replaced. Items such as clothing, toys, and other luxuries did not always find space on the wagon.

How did the wagons cross over water?

Pioneers faced many bodies of water on the journey west. Crossing the water was potentially dangerous. The two most common ways to cross a river was to ford the river or caulk the wagon. Fording the river meant that the pioneers would simply try two walk across the shallow water. Quicksand would make this challenging at times. However, it was a quicker process than caulking the wagon. Caulking involved emptying the wagon and basically turning it into a boat that could float across while the oxen would swim. Sometimes people offered a ferry/raft service for a small fee.

What dangers did pioneers face on the trail?

Nearly 1 in 10 who set off on the trail did not survive. During the journey west, pioneers were walking across the homes and sacred land of many Native American tribes including the Cheyenne and the Pawnee. While many stories created an image of aggressive and violent Native Americans that is not the case. Tribes fought back when provoked but often offered assistance when needed. Very few deaths on the trail are attributed to interactions with tribes.

Weather proved to be one of the most dangerous situations pioneers faced on the trail. Severe cold and snow in the mountains would lead to certain death. Lighting storms and heavy rains would soak the food making it difficult for the pioneers to eat a substantial meal. Accidents were also a common occurence on the trail. Accidental shootings and wagon accidents claimed the lives of many pioneers as well.