Facts of the Oregon Trail

Thousands of U.S. residents left the settled eastern states in the first part of the 19th century and followed the Oregon Trail in search of new land and opportunities in the West. Along the way they encountered disease, accidents and difficult terrain.

Route

The Oregon Trail was a 2,170 mile route that stretched from Missouri to either Oregon or California.

Geography

Settlers traveled over plains, through river valleys and over mountain ranges such as the Cascades and Blue Mountains. Difficult river crossings had to be undertaken on rafts or boats.

Emigrants

According to AmericanWest.com, about 400,000 people made the trek from Missouri to Oregon and California. Economic downturns in 1839 and 1841 spurred on the emigration. Mountain men, farmers, businessmen, hunters and the families of all made the trip west.

Transportation

People traveled the trail in covered wagons that were typically 12 feet in length and 4 feet wide. The wagons had to hold all the provisions of a family and any belongings they had brought with them.

Difficulties

River crossings on overcrowded boats were extremely dangerous. According to Idaho State University, 37 people drowned in 1850 trying to cross just one river (the Green). Cholera epidemics, wagon accidents and even lightning strikes caused many deaths among the travelers.

References

• AmericanWest.com: The Oregon Trail
• Idaho State University: The Oregon Trail