Oregon Trail Research Paper

It has come to the point that we must decide on which trail we are to take and what our destination is. Between these three, the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe, it would be most wise to chose the California Trail. There is a fair share of challenges and benefits of this trail. One of these benefits would the the length. However, if we leave at the perfect time, this trail could be as short as 3 months. Also, once arriving at California there would be opportunity to make a living by selling tools to miners, as there have been many successful businesses getting rich from this method! But on the contrary, some hardships will need to be dealt with. There have been horrible stories of other pioneers deaths such as getting crushed under a wagon, …show more content…
It took roughly 4 months to get from Independence, Missouri to Oregon City, Oregon. The people who took the Oregon trail were mainly settlers and missionaries. Pioneers took wagons called prairie schooners. They were 4x12 ft with a white canvas top that was made to be waterproof to makes sure none of the supplies got wet. Most of the wagon space was for food: dried meats, coffee, flour and other things were brought to eat. The trip itself was extremely unpleasant. People walked by the side of the caravan in poorly made shoes which led to their feet always being bloody or covered in blisters. People couldn't ride in the wagons because it was packed with things and unpleasant. The largest killer was disease. Cholera (which is a disease that results in diarrhea and cramps) was spread through unclean water supplies was almost inevitable. Head lice were also common for people rarely took baths. The weather didn't help either. Hail the size of apples and rain were common. Scorching hours in the sun rarely helped. Some people even feel in the wheels from exhaustion resulting in severe injuries such as broken bones and in some cases death. All in all the Oregon trail wasn't the best to travel on. Compared, although the California Trail had many benefits for gold seekers. The route began in Independence Missouri and was the same as the Oregon trail until the point where it goes towards California. Pioneers used wagons and handcarts to carry excess needs. The wagons were very hard because the fabric would get wet and start to get the items and supplies wet causing them to have to sleep on wet beds with no supper. There were hardships, diseases and weather issues. The most common disease that was caught and spread on the trail was Cholera. Cholera is a diarrhea issue that causes infections in the intestine. It caused vomiting and leg cramps which made walking difficult. The disease spread