Can you still take the Oregon Trail?
The 2,000-mile Oregon Trail was used by pioneers headed west from Missouri to find fertile lands. Today, travelers can follow the trail along Route 66 or Routes 2 and 30.
How much money did it cost to go on the Oregon Trail?
The overland journey from the Mid-West to Oregon and California meant a six month trip across 2,000 miles of difficult country. It was also an expensive enterprise. It was estimated that the journey cost a man and his family about $1,000. He would also need a specially prepared wagon that cost about $400.
What supplies did the pioneers bring on the Oregon Trail?
Generally, the following minimum rations were recommended for each adult person:
- 120-200 pounds of flour in canvas sacks.
- 30 pounds of hardtack or crackers.
- 25-75 pounds of bacon.
- 15 pounds ground corn.
- ½ bushel cornmeal.
- 10-50 pounds of rice.
- 2 pounds of saleratus (an early form of baking soda)
- 10 pounds of salt.
Are there still bodies buried along the Oregon Trail?
The Oregon Trail has been called the world’s longest graveyard, with one body, on average, buried every 80 yards or so.
Why didn’t most pioneers ride in their wagons?
People didn’t ride in the wagons often, because they didn’t want to wear out their animals. Instead they walked alongside them, getting just as dusty as the animals. The long journey was hard on both people and animals. It was even hard on the wagons, which usually had to be repaired several times during the trip.
What weapons were used on the Oregon Trail?
Each man took a rifle or shotgun and some added a pistol. A good hunting knife was essential. Farm implements such as a plow, shovel, scythe, rake, hoe; plus carpentry tools – saw, broad axe, mallet, plane.
How many bodies are on the Oregon Trail?
The Oregon Trail is this nation’s longest graveyard. Of the estimated 350,000 who started the journey, the trail claimed as many as 30,000 victims or an average of 10-15 deaths per mile.
What should you not do on the Oregon Trail?
Crossing rivers was one of the most dangerous things that pioneers were required to do. Swollen rivers could tip over a wagon and drown both people and oxen, and valuable supplies, goods, and equipment could be lost. Sometimes this was caused by animals panicking when wading through deep, swift water.
How did pioneers keep bacon?
Marcy advised travelers to pack the pork in sacks, “or… in boxes… surrounded with bran, which in a great measure, prevents the fat from melting away.” Unfortunately, bacon still occasionally spoiled and had to be ditched along the trail. In less delicious news, bacon wasn’t just cured, it was a cure!
How did the Oregon Trail get its ruts?
As the Oregon Trail evolved, thousands of wagons wore ruts into the ground that acted as an ad-hoc road for the settlers who followed. But they didn’t follow a single solid path.
What are some of the most impressive remnants of the Oregon Trail?
The tracks at Guernsey are among the most impressive remnants of Oregon Trail history. Almost every pioneer had to pass through the same spot here, going over soft sandstone.
What is the Oregon Trail historic sign on the freeway?
Along the freeway here, an Oregon Trail historic sign sits on a cliff face next to one of the final sets of wagon ruts along the route to Columbia. These stretch up a hill on the side of the road and go along the cliff for about a mile, leading to an impressive view of the Columbia River.
What was the Oregon Trail like?
Creative Commons Any child of the 1980s is familiar with the basic skeleton of the Oregon Trail, from the celebrations warranted by a sight of Chimney Rock to the dangers of running a team of oxen at a grueling pace with meager rations.