Westward Expansion Trails
Oregon Trail
One of the most "known" trails and the best land route the settlers used when traveling west, was the "Oregon Trail!" For settlers with many tools, their livestock and a wagon trying to cross the mountains during their 6 month trip, it was really the only way to go. It has been said that without that trail, what is now the American west would be Canada or Mexico. When people started on their way west using the 2,000 mile Oregon trail, the families would usually start near the Missouri River in Independence, Missouri.
The trail was used for about 25 years, which started in 1841 and went to about 1866. During those 25 years, 250,000 to 650,000 people traveled west. The first people who traveled the longest route used in the expansion, were the fur traders and explorers. The settlers then followed their ways, starting in 1841. The first large group, consisted of 900 immigrants. So what attracted the American settlers to Oregon? The rumors of wheat being as tall as men! In 1843, after the large group of immigrants and settlers, they formed a government and then the Territory of Oregon was formed.
The journey was a huge test for the families, like having to cross flooded rivers, coming across Indians who were not always friendly, and death. One in ten lives were taken, often by Cholera, smallpox, firearm accidents. Unlike what people think, out of 10,000 deaths that occurred during that time period, only 4% were caused by indians. Often the settlers took the trail, April to December, traveling for 12-15 miles a day. Some even walked the whole 2,000 mile journey by foot!
There is also a well known interactive game, where you can take your own trip down the Oregon Trail.
Mormon Trail
Another trail people seem to know about, is the Mormon Trail. It was used and created by Mormons who were settling in what is now, Salt Lake City, Utah! The trail used parts of the Oregon Trail, but then went off by itself. Strung out from Nauvoo, Illinois to Salt Lake City, the trail is 1,300 miles long.
There were two big movements of Mormons, the first in 1846, and the second the next year in 1847. In 1846 it was 265 miles from Iowa to the Missouri River and then in 1847 was 1,032 from the Missouri River to the Valley of the Great Salt Lake.
Like the Oregon trail, the 70,000 Mormons had lots to suffer through. Dust, death, high temperatures and starvation.
Other trails that were used in the expansion west, was the California Trail that went from Fort Hall in Oregon Territory to Sacramento. This was mostly used by 250,000 gold seekers. The Santa Fe Trail, traveling from Independence to Santa Fe. This was a very difficult trail to travel! The Old Spanish Trail, which went from Santa Fe to LA was used by Mexican and American traders. Another, was the Southern Emigrant Trail that went from Mesilla to LA, which is also known by other names, was also used during the Gold Rush.
Final Thoughts
Traveling west would definitely be a huge test for a family. I can't even imagine a 6 month road trip, especially if I had to walk the 2,000 miles there if we took the Oregon Trail. Also, it would be very difficult if one of your family members got sick with anything deadly, and you all are in that close of corners. I don't know if I could have done it!
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