The Oregon Trail

The Oregon Trail was a historic route from the Midwest United States to the Oregon Territory, used by thousands of settlers in the mid-1800s. Spanning about 2,170 miles, it stretched from Missouri to the Willamette Valley in Oregon. Many families traveled in covered wagons, facing challenges like rough terrain, illnesses, and scarce resources. The trail was crucial for westward expansion, as it offered an opportunity for new land and a better life. The journey typically took months and represented the American spirit of exploration and the pursuit of opportunity during the westward migration era.