Oregon Trail Flashcards
In what city did most people begin the trail?
Independence, Missouri
About how much weight was recommended for each wagon?
2400 pounds
List some of the most important items they took on the trail.
Food
Ammo
Tools
Guns
Extra wheels
Clothes
Water
What were some of the jobs the families had to do along the trail?
Hunting
Cooking
Gathering firewood/buffalo chips
Loading and unloading the wagon
Washing clothes
Caring for the animals
What were some of the dangers on the trail?
Bad weather
Wago accidents
River crossings
Disease
Drowning
Thunder storms
Huge hailstorms
Snake bikes
Gunshots
Wild animals
Starving
What were the 3 main causes of death on the trail?
Cholera
Smallpox
Accidents
Lack of Food
Lack of Water
Gun Malfunctions
Drowning
What did they circle the wagons at night?
As a holding pen for the animals
Protection from wild animals and thieves
About how many miles did the wagon trains cover each day?
15 miles
What were some of the food that they packed in the wagons?
Flour
Coffee
Bacon
Rice
Beans
Sugar
Dried Fruit
Beef Jerky
What year did most people travel the Oregon Trail
1843-1869
What was the relationship between the pioneers and the Indigenous people on the trail?
Most Indigenous people were friendly and helped them by trading, helping with directions
Why did people travel west on the trail?
Good farmland
Gold mining
Religon
Escape Debt
Manifest Destiny
What did most families use to pull their wagons
Oxen
Horses
Mules
Some walked and pushed carts
How long did it take most wagons to travel to Oregon
About 5-6 months
What were some reasons to travel to the Oregon Territory?
Free farmland
Religious freedom
Escape debt
Start business
Mining
