USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -As the closest Missouri River landing to the town of Independence, Wayne City, or Upper Independence, Landing served as a supply port for early pioneers. It was also the starting point for many travelers who were heading west along the Oregon and California Trails.

Detailed explanation-2: -The trail began at the old Independence Landing north of Independence, Missouri. Here emigrants left steamboats after a five or six day journey from St. Louis. The center of activity in the small town of Independence was the bustling square.

Detailed explanation-3: -The basic route follows river valleys as grass and water were absolutely necessary. While the first few parties organized and departed from Elm Grove, the Oregon Trail’s primary starting point was Independence, Missouri, or Kansas City (Missouri), on the Missouri River.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Oregon Trail was a wagon road stretching 2170 miles from Missouri to Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

Detailed explanation-5: -They were typically about as reliable as the guidebooks. The initial jumping-off spot for emigrants to Oregon was Independence, Missouri. Its location on both the Missouri River and the Santa Fe Trail destined it for this status.