USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The Oregon Trail was a roughly 2, 000-mile route from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon City, Oregon, that was used by hundreds of thousands of American pioneers in the mid-1800s to emigrate west. The trail was arduous and snaked through Missouri and present-day Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho and finally into Oregon.

Detailed explanation-2: -Obstacles included accidental discharge of firearms, falling off mules or horses, drowning in river crossings, and disease. After entering the mountains, the trail also became much more difficult, with steep ascents and descents over rocky terrain. The pioneers risked injury from overturned and runaway wagons.

Detailed explanation-3: -Eventually, thousands of emigrants camped at the foot of this 1, 900 feet long by 850 feet wide granite outcrop. They carved their names and messages into the granite, using Independence Rock as a bulletin board for Oregon Trail travelers.

Detailed explanation-4: -Pioneers began making the 2, 000-mile journey to take advantage of the United States government’s offer to homestead the land. The trail started in Independence, Missouri and went past Chimney Rock, Nebraska. Some went to the frontier in order to prospect for gold, others to hunt and trade fur pelts.