USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -From 1841 to 1849, wagon trains headed to Oregon and California left from Independence Town Square and followed the Santa Fe Trail into Kansas.

Detailed explanation-2: -The first major wagon train to the northwest departs from Elm Grove. Missouri, on the Oregon Trail.

Detailed explanation-3: -In migration Wagon trains followed several trails in the American West, with virtually all originating at Independence, Missouri. Perhaps the most famous wagon train trail was the Oregon Trail which had a span of over 2, 000 mi (3, 200 km).

Detailed explanation-4: -The length of the wagon trail from the Missouri River to Sacramento, California was about 1, 950 miles (3, 138 km). It normally took four to six months to traverse the length of the California Trail with covered wagons pulled by oxen.

Detailed explanation-5: -Kansas was the gathering point for wagon trains. The main trail entered the state at Kansas City, but other branches crossed the Missouri River at St. Joseph and later at Atchison and Leavenworth. Trail junctions and other landmarks in Kansas became assembly places where caravans were formed for the long trek west.