Facts on The Oregon Trail, by Charlene Raddon

 

Everyone’s heard of the Oregon Trail, but how many know the pertinent facts, such as its length, where it began, and where it actually ended? What sights did the pioneers see along the way? Are there any remnants left of the old trail?

 

Fur trapper blazed the beginnings of the route. The first wagon train heading to Oregon in 1836 followed a road as far as Fort Hall, Idaho. Gradually, cutoffs, ferries and bridges were built. From 1830 to 1869, some 400,000 settlers, gold hunters, farmers, and businessmen helped to deepen the ruts of the Oregon Trail, until you can still see them in spots today.

 

 

In 1843, 200-400 emigrants left for Oregon, beginning “The Great Migration”. On reaching the Blue Mountains, trees had to be cut to clear the way. At The Dalles, wagons were disassembled and floated down the Columbia, as no road existed past Mount Hood. In 1846 the Barlow Road was built, creating a road passable by wagons for the entire 2,000 mile trek.

 
At least 70% of the wagons were pulled by oxen, mules being a second choice. Oxen were easier to train, could pull more, survived better on the sparse grass along the trail, did not require oats or grain, and were generally tamer and easier to handle. They could be turned loose at night and easily rounded up in the mornings, whereas mules and horses required herding day and night and often had to be staked out or hobbled. Indians were also less interested in stealing oxen. Drivers walked along the left side of the oxen and used "gee" (right) and "haw" (left) to direct them. Mules were often guided by riding one that was hooked to the wagon (typically the left hand wheel mule) and handling the reins from there.

The recommended food per adult was 150 pounds of flour, 20 of corn meal, 50 of bacon, 40 of sugar, 10 of coffee, 15 of dried fruit, 5 of salt, half a pound of saleratus (baking soda), 2 pounds of tea, 5 pounds of rice, and 15 pounds of beans. Provisions were usually kept in water-tight containers or barrels to minimize spoilage. The usual breakfast, lunch and dinner along the trail was bacon, beans, and coffee, with biscuits or bread. Food for four people for six months typically cost about $150. Less was needed if beef cattle, calves or sheep were taken as a walking food supply, or game could be found along the way.

Non-essential items were often abandoned to lighten the load, or in case of emergency. Many travelers salvaged discarded items, picking up essentials or leaving behind their lower quality item when a better one was found abandoned along the road. Some profited by collecting discarded items and hauling them back to jumping off places and reselling them. During the 1849 gold rush, Fort Laramie was known as "Camp Sacrifice" because of the large amounts merchandise discarded nearby.

Some of the landmarks seen were Chimney Rock, Scottsbluff, Courthouse and Jailhouse Rocks, and the emigrant Register Rock.

 

 

Oregon-California-Mormon Trail Deaths
Cause	Estimated deaths
Disease	6,000–12,500
Indian attack	3,000–4,500
Freezing	300–500
Run overs	200–500
Drownings	200–500
Shootings (usually accidental)	200–500
Miscellaneous	200–500
Scurvy	300–500
Totals	9,400–21,000

How many of you would like to experience the Oregon Trail in a covered wagon? I’ve dreamed of such a trek all my life. Well, at least I did when I was younger. Now, I’m smarter, but I still wish I had done it. I like to think I would have been strong enough, mentally and physically to endure the journey. What about you?

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Thank you so, so much for the fascinating post today, Charlene. I am obsessed with wagon train stories, and riding in a covered wagon while visiting the West is at the top of my bucket list of things to do one day. I'm so happy wagon train tours are still available...I don't think I could've handled the "real thing" back in the 1800s!!!

Charlene is generously giving away the cutest sunbonnet to one lucky commenter (US only). Please leave your email address so we can get your mailing information from you.

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Three nightmarish years of marriage had shattered Brianna Wight's
sheltered world. Leading her husband to believe she'd been murdered, she
fled St. Louis...harboring terrible secrets that could mean her death.

The tragic loss of his Indian wife left Columbus Nigh a wanderer;
necessity made him a wilderness guide. But now he found himself drawn to
the enigmatic woman who'd hired him to lead her westward. Her gentle
strength stirred his lonely heart...her tender beauty aroused his
deepest passions.

But the perils of the Oregon Trail paled beside the murderous wrath of
the man who tracked them across the harsh frontier. Brianna knew the
only way to save herself and Columbus was to rish their tender love.
Only then could she free herself from the horrors of the past--and
embrace a rapturous future...

 
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