OREGON TRAIL

Oregon Trail Background

• The Oregon Trail is a 2,200 mile route that starts in St. Louis and ends in Oregon.
• It helped emigrants travel west in search of gold, farmlands, and avoid disease.

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Fur Trappers

• From 1811-1840 the Oregon Trail was laid down by traders and fur trappers,
• At the beginning, the trail was only accessible by foot or horseback.

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First Expedition

• In 1836, the first train of covered wagons set off on the trail.
• This expedition made it to Fort Hall, Idaho.
• After this trip, the trail kept expanding west, and split different directions.

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Death on the Trail

• It is estimated that about 20,000 people died traveling the dangerous trail.
• There were many ways to die including Native Americans, diseases, and other natural causes.

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Supplies

• Pioneers had to travel light due to long distance and rough trail.
• They needed over 1,000 lbs. of food to feed a family of four.
• Supplies included, firearms, candles, tools, tents, and more essentials.

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