USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Most of the emigrants on the Oregon Trail survived the trip. Between four and six percent of the emigrants died along the way-between 12, 500 and 20, 000 people. This is about one grave for every 200 yards of trail (the length of two football fields). Most of those who died were either children or elderly people.

Detailed explanation-2: -Combined with accidents, drowning at dangerous river crossings, and other illnesses, at least 20, 000 people died along the Oregon Trail. Most trailside graves are unknown, as burials were quick and the wagon trains moved on.

Detailed explanation-3: -It is estimated that 6-10% of all emigrants of the trails succumbed to some form of illness. Of the estimated 350, 000 who started the journey, disease may have claimed as many as 30, 000 victims. Since the trail was 2, 000 miles long, this would indicate that there was an average of 10-15 deaths per mile.

Detailed explanation-4: -Dangers on the Oregon Trail According to the Oregon California Trails Association, almost one in ten who embarked on the trail didn’t survive. Most people died of diseases such as dysentery, cholera, smallpox or flu, or in accidents caused by inexperience, exhaustion and carelessness.

Detailed explanation-5: -Some pioneers traveled in covered wagons, or “prairie schooners, ” while others pulled handcarts and completed the journey on foot. Life on the trail was not easy. Many faced family deaths to sicknesses such as cholera, measles, and smallpox.