USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The Oregon Trail is this nation’s longest graveyard. Over a 25 year span, up to 65, 000 deaths occurred along the western overland emigrant trails. If evenly spaced along the length of the Oregon Trail, there would be a grave every 50 yards from Missouri to Oregon City.

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: -From the early to mid-1830s (and particularly through the years 1846–1869) the Oregon Trail and its many offshoots were used by about 400, 000 settlers, farmers, miners, ranchers, and business owners and their families.

Detailed explanation-5: -Of the estimated 350, 000 who started the journey, disease may have claimed as many as 30, 000 vic-tims. Since the trail was 2, 000 miles, this would indicate that there was an average of 10-15 deaths per mile. Of this large number, only a few known grave sites remain.