The first web site you will visit is called "All About the Oregon Trail."
Through exploring this site, you will gain a better understanding of what the journey on the Oregon Trail was like for pioneers. Follow each of the steps below. Write your answers to the bold questions in your notes.
1. Click on the above link to get to the site. This is the Menu site.
2. Click on "Introduction."
Read this page. Think about the importance of the Oregon Trail. Write down your thoughts in your notes.
Question: What are two reasons why people traveled West?
3. Go back to the Menu site. Click on "Jumping Off."
Read this page. Listen to historian Larry Jones talk about congestion.
Question: How could a person prepare for their journey on the Trail? What time of year was the best to leave? Why was this a good time?
4. Go back to the Menu site. Click on "The Route West."
Read this page. Click on the link "Historic Sites Along the Trail."
Pick one historic site from three different states. Describe the three sites. Was it a landmark? Was it a body of water one had to cross?
5. Go back to the Menu site. Click on "Power."
Read this page. Listen to historian William Hill talk about oxen.
Question: What animal was the best to pull the wagons? Why?
6. Go back to the Menu site. Click on "Hardships."
Read this page. Listen to historian Merrill Mattes talk about walking on the trail.
Question: Think about the hardships faced and some you will report back to your family. What encouraging advice will you give them?
7. Go back to the Menu site. Click on "Camping."
Read this page. Think about the daily schedule while traveling on the Trail.
Question: What would you do to keep your spirits up during the long days and uncomfortable conditions?
8. Go back to the Menu site. Click on "Buffalo."
Read this page.
Question: What is one advantage and one disadvantage of encountering buffalo on the Trail?
9. Go back to the Menu site. Click on "Native Americans."
Read this page. Listen to historian Charles Martin Sr. talk about relationships with Native Americans.
Question: What is an encounter you may have with a Native American along the way? Is it a good encounter or a bad encounter?
10. Go back to the Menu site. Click on "Conclusions."
Listen to historian Merrill Mattes talk about the Oregon Trail.
Question: Why do you think the Oregon Trail is one of the 10 most important events in American history?
