Oregon Trail
The Oregon Trail was the main road crossing the Rocky Mountains used by pioneers in the nineteenth century to get from various localities on the banks of the Missouri to the Oregon country. The section corresponding to the eastern half of the track was also used by passengers from the runway in California and Mormon Trail. To complete the journey in a single season most travelers were leaving in April or May, when the grass was high enough. The track ran along rivers and streams to provide adequate supplies to the convoy of trucks of water, grass and fuel for the campfire. Moreover, it was necessary that the paths taken are at least passable for carts that can move about without hindrance. Passengers traveling the path traveled in small groups and traveled in covered wagons , on horseback, on foot and by boat to settle in the country of Oregon as farmers, businessmen and miners. This territory was in the early nineteenth century claimed by both the British and Americans. The name given by the British territory was coveted District of Columbia.
The few 3200 km of track to travel through the territory corresponding to modern states of Missouri , from Kansas , from Nebraska , from Wyoming , the Idaho and the Oregon , requires 5 to 6 months of travel in caravans. When construction of the line of transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869 using the track by travelers declined in favor of the railroad. In 1883 , the line of the Northern Pacific Railway reached the city of Portland and the Oregon Trail lost all reason.
Summary |
The basic route followed river valleys. In the early days of Oregon Trail was going to Independence , Missouri. Later, other cities have become starting points as St. Joseph , Missouri, Fort Leavenworth and Atchison , Kansas and Omaha , Nebraska.
The City of Oregon City was the terminus of the Oregon Trail, or time the city was designated the capital of Oregon Territory. However, many pioneers deviated from the track or stopped en route to settle in places that suited them.
The Oregon Trail was littered with many obstacles and natural obstacles. Gradually the track was arranged to facilitate the movement of passengers. Ferry services were established and built bridges to rivers to cross safely.
Nebraska
Travellers from the left bank of the Missouri River crossing by ferry to get to Nebraska. Once they arrived in Nebraska, so the choice between several cities to do this step but after 1855 Omaha who won their favor. Then the passengers joined the valley of the river Platte at Fort Kearney located at the current location of the town of Kearney. At Fort Kearney they could make purchases, repairs and purchase of medicines. They then travel up the Platte River and its tributary, the North Platte. The Platte River was not navigable because of its shallow waters and muddy. Cons by the path along its banks on both sides were perfectly passable. Before 1880 passengers crossed on their way thousands of bison that crossed the Platte River during their migration through Nebraska. They could be provided in large quantities in fresh meat. Where the grass of the prairie had not been trampled by buffalo or passengers, it reached the height of a man. Many rock formations overlooking the surrounding plain procured along the North Platte River visual cues easier for migrants. This was particularly true of Chimney Rock and Scotts Bluff.
Wyoming
In Wyoming, the Oregon Trail continued along the North Platte. At the confluence of the Laramie and North Platte River was the Fort Laramie , which was an important stop for travelers. It was a counter for the fur trade for an outpost. After the intermission the trail continued to go back in the North Platte and then borrowed the River Valley Sweetwater had to cross it nine times before leaving the valley. The passenger then crossed the Continental Divide at the neck of South Pass. After South Pass the trail followed the river Big Sandy Creek to join the Green River. Then the migrants had to cross this river. A ferry service was available to travelers for this crossing. After the track took a southwesterly direction to Fort Bridger, another counter reaching out to the fur trade, then turned to take a direction due north and followed the valley of the Little Muddy Creek. The passenger then crossed the mountains of the Bear River and swing in the valley of the Bear River.
Idaho
The trail then followed the valley of Bear River to Soda Springs and the current border crossing Wyoming Idaho. While the Bear River branches south travelers continued on their way north-west through the valley of the Portneuf River to reach Fort Hall on the banks of the Snake River. The road from Fort Bridger to Fort Hall measuring 340 km in length and required 9 to 12 days of travel. Fort Hall was an old desk for the fur trading company owned by the British Hudson Bay. Travelers can find help and relief, but the place was infested with mosquitoes. Travelers then followed the Snake River, whose waters flow through a wide plain, towards the west.
Oregon
Passengers leaving the plain of Snake River to travel through the current State of Oregon. First it went up the canyon of Burnt River and then crossed the Blue Mountains to reach the valley of La Grande. In 1843 settlers had traced a trail in these mountains, to allow vans to be able to overcome. Arrived on the shores of the Columbia River, Fort Walla Walla, built some rafts and down the river while others continued their journey by van to The Dalles. Arriving at this location the pioneers were blocked by the Cascade and Mount Hood. They had to descend the Columbia River by boat. The course of the river through the Cascade Mountains and included many fast passages should be performed in port. At the end of the rapids settlers finally arrived at its destination at Oregon City, located in the Willamette Valley.
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