What Is the Oregon Trail?
The Oregon Trail symbolizes America's love affair and fascination with the Old West. The trail, approximately 2,170 miles long, created a route from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon City, Oregon. It was the first overland route to the western portion of the continent that could be traveled with a wagon, which is what helped to make permanent settlement in the area possible.
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History
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Marcus and Narcissa Whitman were the first individuals to travel from the middle of the country to Oregon in what would come to be called the Oregon Trail. Their journey in 1836 was detailed in letters and accounts that were sent back for others to enjoy. "Indeed, I do not know as I was ever so much affected with any scenery in my life. The singing of birds, the echo of voices of my fellow travelers, as they were scattered through the woods, all had a strong resemblance to bygone days," Narcissa wrote on Aug. 29, 1836.
Time Frame
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The first true mass migration on the route came in 1843, when 1,000 people moved in a wagon train that began in Independence, Missouri. It was called the great migration and was the first of many others that would lead to half a million people moving to the American West. The trail stopped being used in 1869 when the first transcontinental railroad made the journey much easier.
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Geography
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The Oregon Trail passed through the territories of eight modern states, including Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho and Oregon. Travelers had to cross rivers and mountains. The South Pass, in what is now southwestern Wyoming, was the point at which to cross the Rocky Mountains with an elevation of approximately 7,000 feet. Without this pass, wagon travel may have been nearly impossible.
Significance
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The Oregon Trail not only introduced hundreds of thousands of Americans to the West, it also prompted Great Britain to give up its claim to the Oregon territory. Once the land started to be inhabited by hundreds of thousands of Americans, Britain realized a claim on the land would be disputed and possibly lead to more conflicts with the United States. It was one of the nation's last claims on the North American continent.
Benefits
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The Oregon Trail not only served as a conduit to the West but also found its way into American lore. The trail has a national museum dedicated to it and has been designated a national historic trail, though it is not in use anymore. The trail has even been canonized in an educational video game.
Misconceptions
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Though many may think the Native American population was the biggest threat to the pioneers on the Oregon Trail, that was not the case. Though 10 percent of travelers died before completing the journey, the Native Americans were usually helpful. The biggest threats were diseases such as cholera, bad weather and accidental gunshots.
Experiences
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Those interested in traveling all or part of the Oregon Trail have some options. The National Park Service has a self-guided tour that can be taken. The National Oregon/California Trail Center at Montpelier, Idaho, is another good place to start learning about the trail firsthand (see Resources below).
National Oregon/California Trail Center
320 N. Fourth St.
Montpelier, Idaho 83254
(866) 847-3800
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Matthew Trump
