The Oregon Trail and Westward Expansion History

The Oregon Trail and Westward Expansion: Overview

• The Oregon Trail provided a 2,000-mile route across the western frontier of North America, established in 1836.
• People traveled the Oregon Trail to explore the great American frontier, establish new lives, and seek new opportunities in the west.

American Expansion and Manifest Destiny

• Americans had craved expansion since they first set foot in North America.
• The Louisiana Purchase (1803) laid the foundation for westward expansion, with the US gaining 828,000 square miles of land.
• President James Polk accomplished a massive territorial expansion through the annexation of Texas from Mexico and the Mexican-American War (1848).
• The idea of Manifest Destiny emerged, believing the US was destined by God to expand its dominion across North America.

Which Nation Claimed the Oregon Country?

• In the early 19th century, the US owned the Oregon Territory jointly with Britain.
• After the War of 1812, Britain relinquished claims to the Northwest Territory.
• By 1846, the Oregon country was rapidly becoming an American territory, and Britain signed it over fully through the Treaty of Oregon.

Westward Expansion Trails

• Three main trails led from the Midwest to the West: the Oregon Trail, the Mormon Trail, and the California Trail.
• The Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails split in Wyoming and Idaho, respectively, to head north or south.
• The Santa Fe Trail cut across Kansas and New Mexico, eventually ending in Santa Fe.

The Oregon Trail and Westward Expansion: History

• The Oregon Trail was established early in the 19th century, primarily used by fur trappers after the Rush-Bagot treaty (1817).
• John Jacob Astor bought land in the Oregon Territory, naming it Astoria.
• The trail was originally considered unsuitable for women and children, until Marcus and Narcissa Whitman traveled the trail in 1836.

Why Did People Go on the Oregon Trail?

• Pioneers sought economic opportunities in the Oregon Country or elsewhere.
• Other reasons for traveling west included fleeing cholera epidemics and economic depression in the Midwest.
• The Second Great Awakening inspired missionaries to preach to Native Americans in the West or establish faith-based communities.
• Farmers were lured by romantic stories of emerald green lands in the Oregon Country.

Where Did the Oregon Trail Start?

• The official Oregon Trail started in Independence, Missouri, the farthest point west on the Missouri River.
• Independence hosted outfitters, wagon repair shops, and general stores for pioneers preparing for the journey.

What Was the Journey on the Oregon Trail Like?

• Travelers often did not experience the adventure they had hoped for.
• The distance was long, and most pioneers made the journey on foot to avoid stressing the oxen.
• Recommended provisions included food items, weapons for hunting, and basic cooking utensils.
• The journey took around 5-6 months, depending on weather, terrain, and health.