By J.D. Wollf
The Oregon Trail was the site of one of the greatest mass migrations in U.S. history, the flow of settlers from the East to the Oregon Territories in search of a new life during the middle of the nineteenth century. The trail is famous for its iconic covered wagons and for the popular children's computer game.
Length
The Oregon Trail spans 2,000 miles and stretches across land in six U.S. states: Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho and Oregon. The Trail also had several branches, a famous one leading to Salt Lake City where the Mormons settled. A typical journey across the Trail by covered wagon would take 4 to 6 months.
Time Frame
The first settlers to travel to Oregon in a covered wagon left in 1836, but the Trail didn't become popular until 1843. Over 400,000 settlers used the Trail until 1869, when the Transcontinental Railroad opened.
Starting Out
Pioneers would "jump off" from several towns along the Missouri River: Omaha, Council Bluffs, St. Joseph, Westport and Independence. There, they would buy supplies and set off on the Trail in April or May.
Traveling
The trip west was filled with hardships. Weather, illness such as cholera and scurvy, accidents and Native American attacks all took their human toll. Settlers had to walk their way to Oregon, as wagon space was taken up by luggage (and wagon travel was extremely uncomfortable).
Settling Down
The settlers ended their trip in the Willamette Valley in the Oregon Territory, near modern-day Eugene, Oregon.
Commemoration
Many states have historical markers commemorating the Oregon Trail, and natural landmarks can still be seen. In some places, ruts from the wagon wheels are still visible.
About the Author:
J.D. Wollf has been a writer since 1999 and has been published in a variety of newspapers and newsletters. She has covered everything from local sports to computer accessory reviews and specializes in articles about health issues, particularly in the elderly.
