Background

The Oregon Trail, which was first blazed by Nathanel Wyeth, branched off from the Santa Fe Trail at Independence, Missouri. It followed the Platte River across the vast plains of what is now Nebraska and Wyoming. The Trail continued from Fort Bridger through the rugged Rocky Mountains and eventually into present-day Oregon.

Travelers planning on using the Oregon reail assembled at Independence, Missouri, or nearby the small city to get supplies and form their wagon trains. They hired guides or chose leaders who would pick where to vross reivers, set up camps, organize guard duty, and scout for food and campsites.

Most wagon trains left in the spring, when fresh grass would be ready on the plains portion of the trail for any animals that they might be taking--usually oxen and cattle, horses and mules. Once the wagons had left Missouri, they would travel at a rate of about 15 - 20 miles a day. The trail was tough: crossing a swampy area required the buliding of a road made of trees and brush so that the wagons wouldn't sink in, crossing a river or creek could cause the wagons to sink into mud--the men and animals were forced to the back-breaking work of freeing it.

Th Oregon Trail claimed about 34,000 lives while it was being used--most deaths were from cholera or accidents. There was a grave dug about every 100 yards. Many families faced disaster during attacks by Native Americans, or when the animals pulling thier wagons died.

Settlement of Oregon reached its peak in the years 1852 -1854.

Click here to read a personal account of what traveling the Oregon Trail was like.

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