Why did pioneers move on the Oregon Trail?
From 1843 until the 1870s, the Oregon Trail served as the primary route to the American West. Over the course of 25 years, more than 500,000 settlers moved west on this path. The last recorded trip on the trail occurred in 1906.The FactsThe Oregon Trail was a 2,000-mile trail stretching from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon City, Oregon. Settlers had the option of starting the journey in Independence or at one of many “jumping-off points,” such as St. Joseph, Missouri.DestinationSettlers followed the Oregon Trail to reach the Oregon Territory. This area contained the modern states of Oregon, Washington and Idaho as well as part of Montana.OpportunityThe Oregon Trail’s route was was first scouted in 1823 by explorers and fur traders, and gold strikes in the Oregon Territory in the 1850s attracted many settlers to the region. The Oregon Territory also was known for its farmland and forests.Easy to FollowThe Oregon Trail followed rivers and natural landmarks, such as rock formations and
