Common Mistakes
Some hardships on the trip were just common mistakes made by the pioneers. The lack of experience of basic skills like driving the wagons caused various types of accidents resulting in broken bones, serious injuries and sometimes death. That inexperience caused wagons to "bunch up" making it difficult for them to move. The wagon train was delayed because some pioneers lacked the skills to successfully hatch up the oxen. Those beginner decisions would possibly put them in danger, such as taking the wrong route, getting stuck or not being able to control the team. There were constant problems keeping the wagons and other tools in working order. Animals would drift away or be stolen from the train.
Some hardships on the trip were just common mistakes made by the pioneers. The lack of experience of basic skills like driving the wagons caused various types of accidents resulting in broken bones, serious injuries and sometimes death. That inexperience caused wagons to "bunch up" making it difficult for them to move. The wagon train was delayed because some pioneers lacked the skills to successfully hatch up the oxen. Those beginner decisions would possibly put them in danger, such as taking the wrong route, getting stuck or not being able to control the team. There were constant problems keeping the wagons and other tools in working order. Animals would drift away or be stolen from the train.
The Oregon Trail was a 2,000 mile trip. The terrain ranged from mountains, to valleys and to swampy rivers. It took up to four months or more for the pioneers to get from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon City, Oregon. You will be exploring some of the landmarks and forts of the Oregon Trail. The trail was marked in so many different ways: the ruts of the wagons, discarded goods, notes, burnt wagons, carcasses of dead animals and graves.
Pioneers had different reasons for going west some went for the gold; others went for the free land or try to better their present life. The trail in places was 20 miles wide, in other places it was hardly wide enough for the wagon.