The Oregon Trail was a 2,000 mile trail. This trail extended from the Missouri River to the Pacific Northwest. Most people walked, except the person driving the wagon. The route took about six months to complete. People traveled the Oregon Trail because they believed there were great opportunities in the West.
|
Indian attacks were rare for the people traveling the trail. The pioneers had the most deaths when they would cross a river. While crossing the river many would die of disease and because of extreme weather conditions. Diseases would spread quickly and would kill nine out of ten pioneers traveling the path. The pioneers would take wagons to carry their items and supplies to go on their journey. These wagons could hold most of their belongings and six months worth of supplies. They were pulled by oxen or mules. Six oxen were used to pull one wagon. Since the trail was so long and they had so many belongings the pioneers had to be careful to not overfill the wagons because if they did they would risk major wagon accidents and possibly not making it to their destination. |
When people would travel the trail, they would go in large groups. They did this so their chances of survival were greater. It also helped them carry more supplies because they had more wagons.
|