The Oregon Trail

Motivation to Move1. 1836 missionaries Marcus and Narcissa

Whitman went to Oregon to convert American Indians to Christianity.

2. Thousands of people came to improve their lives; Oregon had rich farmland, great forests, rivers full of fish, and a good climate.

3. “Oregon Fever” each married man could get land grants up to 640 acres of land.

The California Trail

Motivation to Move1. Trading spot for Americans and

Mexicans2. “Gold Fever” In 1848 Gold was

discovered “Forty-niners” went in search of their fortunes.

The Santa Fe Trail

Motivation to Move1. Trading that resulted in high profits

The Mormon Trail

Motivation to Move1. Wanted a place to practice their religion

without persecution

Hardships Faced1. Up to a 2,000 mile journey 2. It was expensive a family of 4 needed at least

$600 to just buy the necessary supplies to go to Oregon

3. Oregon Trail took at least 5 months4. Shortages of food, supplies, and water5. Rough weather and natural barriers such as

mountains, rivers, and deserts6. Cholera and other diseases (diarrhea could be

fatal)

Weird Wagons

Buried Alive?

• "We camped at a place where a woman had been buried and the wolves dug her up. Her hair was there with a comb still in it. She had been buried too shallow. It seems a dreadful fate, but what is the difference? One cannot feel after the spirit is flown."

Emigrant Agnes Stewart

Buffalo Chips

Proof of the Oregon Trail

Wagon Ruts

Pioneer Graffiti at Register Cliff