THE OREGON TRAIL

Marcus & Narcissa Whitman

Marcus and Narcissa Whitman were the first emigrants to go on the Oregon Trail to set up mission schools to convert Native Americans into Christianity.

Whitman would later lead the first large party of wagon trains along the Oregon Trail, establishing it as a viable route for the thousands

of emigrants who used the trail in the following decade

MAP OF THE TRAIL

The Oregon Trail started in Independence, Missouri, and ended in Portland, Oregon.

People traveled by small farm wagons. Conestoga wagons were NOT used because it was too big.

The small farm wagons were 4x10 feet and filled to the brim with food and farm materials.

Why They Went to Oregon

Marcus and Narcissa Whitman sent letters to the East about the fertile soil and plenty of rainfall, which attracted hundreds of Americans to the Oregon Trail.

Some Americans migrated to California for the search of gold.

Life on the Trail

PROS The start of a new life.

To get rich!!!!!

CONS Too many people went at the

same time – caused traffic jams. Many people over packed so a

few miles outside of Independence had to throw things out.

They used small farm wagons to travel.

TEST QUESTIONS!!

1. WHAT WAS NOT USED TO TRAVEL ON THE TRAIL?

2. WHY DID THE AMERICANS TRAVEL TO OREGON IN THE FIRST PLACE?

OUR SOURCES

THE AMERICANS TEXT BOOKWWW.ISU.EDUwww.oregonpioneers.com/whitman4.htm explorepahistory.com/displayimage.php?i

mgId=271