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Very harsh. Pioneer journals describe crossing flooded rivers and having whole wagons getting washed down river and how they lost everything. They write about the sickness, death, and heat. How, when going over the mountain passes, the wagons would go over a cliff and they would loose family members and all of their stuff. That they would bury their dead along the trail and hope it was deep enough so animals wouldn't dig up the bodies. Of the fear of Indian attacks, of getting lost, of death of a child, of having enough food, weather conditions, and anything else. One woman writes about her husband dying on the trail leaving her with 6 children and a newborn baby. She keeps going, looses her wagon in the mountains pass, and when she and her children finally arrive in Oregon they are in rags, hungry, and on foot. We can't even imagine what these people when through.

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How many people survived the treacherous journey along the Oregon Trail?

It is estimated that around 400,000 people successfully completed the journey along the Oregon Trail, while thousands of others perished due to various challenges such as disease, accidents, and harsh conditions.


Why did people leave their homes to go on the Oregon trail?

this trail was highly used at the time and even had trading posts on the trail allowing for purchase of supplies. during this time people went on the trail to go west to escape there troubles in the east and looked to prosper in the west


How did most pioneers get to Oregon?

Most pioneers traveled to Oregon via the Oregon Trail, a route that stretched over 2,000 miles from Missouri to the Willamette Valley. They typically traveled in covered wagons, forming groups for safety and support, and took advantage of the spring and summer months to avoid harsh weather. Many faced challenges such as rough terrain, limited supplies, and disease along the way. The journey was arduous but offered the promise of fertile land and new opportunities in Oregon.


Which gold rush route was most dangerous?

The most dangerous gold rush route was the Oregon Trail. Travelers faced numerous hazards, including harsh weather, difficult terrain, and scarce resources, leading to high mortality rates. Additionally, encounters with Native American tribes and the potential for disease further increased the dangers. While other routes, like the Panama and Cape Horn routes, also had their perils, the overland journey on the Oregon Trail was particularly treacherous for many prospectors.


Is it true that There were many obstacles on the Oregon trail including harsh conditions disease and occasional conflicts with Native Americans?

Yes, and then some. Some wagons had to be abandoned because of broken axles, as sad reminders of the trail's hardships. The threat of attack by wolves and/or bears was not much of a nuisance, compared to the dangers of high-water ford locations and the possibility of an early winter arriving while threading the mountain passes.

Related Questions

What was the lifestyle on the Oregon trail?

It was very harsh until you do yo mamma!


How were the Oregon and Santa Fe trail different?

The Oregon and Santa Fe Trails served different purposes and destinations. The Oregon Trail primarily facilitated the westward migration of settlers seeking fertile land in the Oregon Territory, while the Santa Fe Trail was a commercial route used for trade between the United States and Mexico, connecting Missouri to Santa Fe. The Oregon Trail focused on family and agriculture, whereas the Santa Fe Trail emphasized commerce and economic exchange. Additionally, the Oregon Trail was longer and more challenging due to its rugged terrain and harsh conditions compared to the relatively easier route of the Santa Fe Trail.


How many people survived the treacherous journey along the Oregon Trail?

It is estimated that around 400,000 people successfully completed the journey along the Oregon Trail, while thousands of others perished due to various challenges such as disease, accidents, and harsh conditions.


How long did it take to get from Missouri to Oregon on the trail?

Traveling from Missouri to Oregon on the Oregon Trail typically took around four to six months, depending on various factors such as weather, trail conditions, and the pace of the caravan. Most pioneers aimed to leave in the spring to avoid harsh winter conditions in the mountains. The journey covered approximately 2,000 miles and required careful planning and preparation.


What was the trail that headed from Missouri to the Pacific North West?

The trail that headed from Missouri to the Pacific Northwest was primarily the Oregon Trail. This historic route, used by thousands of settlers in the mid-19th century, stretched approximately 2,170 miles and began in Independence, Missouri, leading to the fertile valleys of Oregon. It played a crucial role in the westward expansion of the United States, facilitating migration and settlement in the region. The Oregon Trail was known for its challenging terrain and harsh conditions, but it was a vital pathway for those seeking new opportunities in the west.


What trails did pioneers use to travel west?

Pioneers used several trails to travel west, including the Oregon Trail, the California Trail, and the Santa Fe Trail. These trails were essential routes that led settlers to new opportunities in the American West during the 19th century. They faced numerous challenges, such as rough terrain, harsh weather, and limited resources along the way.


What is a summary of the book Bound for Oregon?

"Bound for Oregon" is a historical fiction novel set in the 1850s, following a family's journey along the Oregon Trail. The story depicts the challenges and hardships they face as they travel westward, including harsh weather, illnesses, and encounters with Native Americans. Through perseverance and determination, the family overcomes these obstacles to reach their destination in Oregon.


What geographical feature did many westward emigrants bypass?

Many westward emigrants bypassed the Rocky Mountains due to its rugged terrain and harsh conditions, choosing instead to travel through more passable routes like the Oregon Trail or California Trail.


How many pioneers died on the Oregon trail?

Estimates suggest that around 20,000 pioneers died while traveling the Oregon Trail from the mid-1840s to the late 1860s. The primary causes of death included disease, accidents, and harsh weather conditions. Cholera was particularly deadly, accounting for a significant number of fatalities. Despite the dangers, many settlers persevered in search of new opportunities in the West.


What was the reason for the Oregon trail trip?

The Oregon Trail was designed as a passageway for settlers who were moving West with the Great Expansion. The trail ran from the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers through the harsh terrain of the northern Rockies. It was originally laid out by fur trappers and traders who trapped beaver (primarily) in the waterways of the north and northwest, and was quite impassable in the early years. Later it became a more and more reliable route for those on horseback and those who were emigrating with their families by covered wagon to populate the West.


What mountain range did California Trail cross?

The California Trail crossed the Sierra Nevada mountain range. This mountain range presented a significant challenge for pioneers traveling on the trail due to its steep terrain and harsh weather conditions. Once travelers crossed the Sierra Nevada, they were often faced with a desert region known as the Great Basin before reaching California.


Was was life like when the pioneers ended the Oregon trail and finally got to Oregon?

Life for pioneers who reached Oregon after traversing the Oregon Trail was a mix of hope and hardship. Upon arrival, they encountered vast, fertile lands ideal for farming, but they also faced challenges such as harsh weather, isolation, and the need to establish new communities. Many settlers focused on building homes and farms, while adapting to the local environment and forming relationships with Indigenous peoples. Overall, it was a time of both opportunity and struggle as they sought to build new lives in a largely uncharted territory.