PRESENTATION OUTLINE
What was it?
The Oregon Trail was a 2,200 mile trail from Missouri to Oregon. It was a critical transportation route layer by traders and fur trappers for people traveling west. It was used mainly in the mid 1800s. The trail could only be traveled by horseback or on foot at first but later was accessible to wagons.
Where was it?
The Oregon Trail started in Independence, Missouri and ended in Willamette Valley, Oregon. Originally, the trail only reached to Fort Hall, Idaho. The trail also had many starting points in Nebraska,Iowa, and Missouri.
When was it used?
The Oregon Trail was laid from 1831 to 1840. In 1836 the first wagon train traveled the trail. The Oregon Trail was used by 350,000 settlers from the 1830s until 1869.the use dramatically declined when the first railroad was completed.
Why was it made?
All Americans were curious about the west. They were inspired by dreams of gold out west. They also expected to find rich farmland. Difficult economic times also drove people out west. Diseases such as yellow fever and malaria overtook the Midwest and drove people out west also.
What was its significance?
The Oregon Trail helped implement the United State's goal of the Manifest Destiny. It also opened the doors for 6 more states to be founded. The Oregon Trail showed how dedicated, tenacious, and nationalistic the Americans were at the time.