USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Planning a five-to six-month trip across rugged terrain was no easy task and could take up to a year. Emigrants had to sell their homes, businesses and any possessions they couldn’t take with them.

Detailed explanation-2: -In 1842, Elijah White led an organized wagon train of 100 people with an experienced guide. Two thousand miles later, across prairies, towering mountains and parched deserts unfamiliar to eastern farmers, they completed the trek. About half settled in Oregon, while the other half moved further south to California.

Detailed explanation-3: -It normally took four to six months to traverse the length of the Oregon Trail with wagons pulled by oxen. About 80, 000 pioneers used it to reach Oregon, and about 20, 000 to Washington before the transcontinental railroad in 1869.

Detailed explanation-4: -Average distance covered in a day was usually fifteen miles, but on a good day twenty could be traveled.

Detailed explanation-5: -The 2000+ mile journey is divided into approximately 16 segments (depending upon the exact route you take). Each segment connects two important landmarks – such as river crossings, forts, geologic formations, and other noteworthy points.