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Getting Started
Everyone left in a Wagon Train and started in Independence, Missouri since it was convinent and the most west city in the U.S. They would need at leadt 5 months of supplies for thier journey. They would bring things like beans, flour, tents, bedding, candles, soap, medicine, cooking equiptment, guns, and sentimental items. they would also bring animals to eat on for the trip.
CAPTION: wagon -
The Journey Begins
By thiss point they would have set off with thier wagon train and guide. their guide is usually someone who has already been to the west like a fur trapper. When they would go to sleep, they would make a huge circle with their wagons for protection. They would also have elected officers to keep order.
CAPTION: wagon train in a circle to protect from indians, and animals. -
Another One Bites the Dust
While traveling, wagons would race to the front of the train. Wagons pick up alot of dirt and when someone is traveling in front of them the dust that their wagons pick up block their vision and is irritating.
CAPTION: Family in behind a wagon -
Here Comes Trouble!
The trip is becoming unbareable, and its only been two months! The winds are blowing picking up the sand, and the sand is making your eyes sore. When it would rain, they would need to hold umbrellas over the pot to cook. Rain could turn a dry grassy plain to a muddy swamp in minutes! They would also incounter indians. Some were peacefull, some were stubborn.
CAPTION: Chief of Sioux Tribe -
Can It Get Any Worse
A loud thunder rises from the plains, but it's not thunder, it's a stampede! They could be very dangerous and very difficult to kill.
River crossings is one of the hardest obsticles on your journey. Fording is dangerous and risky. They don't knowif the current will sweep them away or if it's very deep. -
Bon Appetit!
Sand and bugs in your food? ICK! If you were lucky to kill or catch something you would have fresh meat. Otherwise your gonna be eating rotten meat. Your gonna have to drink muddy water and there's gonna be diesese wherever you turn! -
RIVER CROSSING!
Many people drown trying to cross rivers, but not you!! There are some parts of a river that are shallow enough to cross, called fords. You could attempt eading the river but that's too risky. you could possible build a raft, but make sure your animals dont panic. (HOPE YOU CAN SWIM!!) -
At the fort
You'll stop at the fort(were there are fur trappers and indians!) almost before the end of your journey. The food supply will be low and your animals need a break.Here you would be fixing your wagon, washing clothes, buying supplies, but the best, relaxing!!! -
ox or mule?
The debate on what animal is better for a long ride to the west is always a topic. Oxen can carry more weight (and taste better when starving). Either way you need to keep your animals safe. The water gets mucky, the pulls get tougher, and the food runs out!! -
The homestretch
The last obsticle to be crossed is the Rocky Mountains.(and they don't call them rocky for nothing!!) You'll need to get through before the snow comes in which is around October. One the way there will be tough slopes, cliffs, rapids, and big boulders. (if you do get stuck in the snow, your leather boots will make great stew!) -
Home Sweet Home!
Whoohoo!!! You're here! Oregon at last! Now all you need to do is claim and clear!!!! After you grab your land there will be alot of trees in the way. But this way when you clear the area, you will have plenty of lumber to build a house, a barn, and an out house! Have fun!
