The Oregon Trail

What was the Oregon Trail?

• The Oregon Trail was a 2,000 mile journey stretched across the Great Plains along the Platte River and through South Pass from Independence, Missouri to the "Oregon Country."

Why did they even go?

• Americans began traveling to the Oregon Country in the 1830s.
• They went because of reports of "fertile land," and many families were facing economic troubles.

Who were the first ones there?

• Some of the first settlers in the Oregon Country were missionaries who were trying to bring Christianity to the Native Americans.