Starting in the 1840s, brave pioneers embarked on a perilous 2000 mile journey across the vast American frontier known as the Oregon Trail. An estimated half million people traveled the treacherous trail, with one in ten folks not making it to the end.
The Oregon Trail began in the town of Independence, Missouri, where pioneers gathered supplies and formed wagon trains. The trail traversed through Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, and into Oregon.
There were many motivations to embark upon the journey, including the belief in Manifest Destiny, the conviction that America was destined to expand westward.
Contaminated water sources and unsanitary conditions in campsites contributed to the rapid spread of diseases such as dysentery, leading to high mortality rates.
Many other hazards were present along the trail including dangerous river crossings, rugged terrain, harsh weather, lack of supplies and equipment, isolation, and native american conflicts.
Despite the grave dangers the pioneers pressed on, leaving a lasting legacy that is etched in American history forever.
I hope you enjoyed this short I created!
Regina Cal
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