The Oregon TrailRachel Merrick

Where was the Oregon Trail?

• Route from eastern to western US.

• Start: Independence, Missouri

• End: Oregon City, Oregon• 2,000 Mi / 3,200 Km• 1811-1840 only walk or

ride horse.• Used by fur traders &

trappers

• Map of the Oregon Trail

What was life like on the Oregon Trail?

• 1863: First wagon train.• Trip took 160 days, almost 6

months• Pioneers carried all possessions

• Food, Medicine, Farm Equipment

• Many dangers on the trail• Disease, Native American attacks, etc.

• Up to 21,000 people died.• Wagon Train on the Oregon Trail

What are the Effects of the Oregon Trail?

• 1846-1869: Population of western states almost doubled because of Oregon Trail

• Some couldn’t afford a wagon and oxen, pulled hand carts full of their belongings and/or children across America.

• George Rowley: captain of hand cart trip, my great-great-great grandfather.

• Powerful spirit of pioneers makes Americans proud of their history. • Taken from Wikipedia

Conclusion

• Although dangerous, the Oregon Trail had an important influence on American history.

• Questions?

• The Oregon Trail Video Game