Introduction
The Oregon Trail
Imagine walking for 2,000 miles — barefoot. That is what many children did as they traveled the Oregon Trail in the 1800s. Being a pioneer was not easy. The weak did not survive. But those who were strong and determined had an incredible adventure.
Process
Be sure to answer all questions with complete sentences, citing evidence from the text to support your claims.
Go to http://www.isu.edu/~trinmich/Oregontrail.html and read All About the Oregon Trail.
Click on "All About the Oregon Trail," then click on "Hardships."
On this page, the historian Merrill Mattes is quoted as saying: "The trip for most people was an ordeal. More than they bargained for, I'm sure. But most of them had the guts to stick it out and either get there or die in the effort."
1. What do you think the pioneers were looking for? What do you think would motivate them "to stick it out"? (Answer with at least 4 complete sentences, citing evidence from the text.)
2. At the top of the screen, click on "Historic Sites." Visit five sites along the trail and write the name of the site and a give brief description of each.
3. At the top of the screen click on Fantastic Facts and then click five different sites. Write the name of the site and a give brief description of each. (Do not go to “Weird Wagons” yet.)
4. Now, click on "Weird Wagons." Imagine that you plan to join the wagon trains on the Oregon Trail.
On your paper, design a vehicle that could take you on a journey across rough, uncharted territory.
(Remember — cars didn't exist.)