USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -A map showing the westward trail from Missouri to Oregon. While most Oregon-bound emigrants traveled a route that passed by landmarks in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho and Oregon, there was never just one set of wagon ruts leading west.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Oregon Trail was a wagon road stretching 2170 miles from Missouri to Oregon’s Willamette Valley. It was not a road in any modern sense, only parallel ruts leading across endless prairie, sagebrush desert, and mountains.

Detailed explanation-3: -Stream and river crossings, steep descents and ascents, violent storms, and the persistent threat of disease among large groups of travelers were the most common challenges. Disease was the greatest threat on the trail, especially cholera, which struck wagon trains in years of heavy travel.

Detailed explanation-4: -So as it turns out, the Oregon Trail is a shockingly accurate depiction of westward expansion in the 1800’s. That being said, everything referenced in this article is coming from the 2021 game which I sat down and played for three hours in preparation to write this.

Detailed explanation-5: -Free land in Oregon and the possibility of finding gold in California lured them westward. At the same time, eastern churches wanted to teach American Indians of the Oregon Country their European ideas of “civilization.” Many simply hoped for a chance to start a new life.