Between the 1840s and the 1860s, hundreds of thousands of Americans traveled west in covered wagons pulled by teams of oxen. There were four main overland routes, all branching out from Independence, Missouri: the Oregon Trail, the California Trail, The Mormon Trail, and the Santa Fe Trail.
What methods of travel did settlers take to move west?
Americans who did travel long distances overland to settle the West rode on wagon trails, like the Oregon Trail, rather than well-defined roads. Still, a few major roads served as important transportation links.
How did the Americans travel to the West?
There were no planes, trains, or automobiles. 1 People traveled by wagon or boat, and it took many days to reach a destination. Although it was difficult, in the 1840s, many people traveled far across the United States from the East to the West. They were pioneers.
What route did people travel to move west?
Oregon Trail: The Oregon Trail, nicknamed “The Great Migration of 1843,” was a 2,000-mile journey through the arid plains and mountains from Independence, Missouri to Oregon City, Oregon. After Lewis and Clark explored the West, fur trappers and Christian missionaries traveled along the Oregon Trail.
How did pioneers travel west?
Approximately 500,000 people made the journey on foot, in covered wagon trains, or on horseback on the Oregon Trail and two other famous trails: the California Trail and the Mormon Trail.
How hard was it to travel west?
The journey west was difficult and sometimes deadly. About 10 percent of the Oregon Trail's passengers died along the way. One of the biggest killers was disease, namely cholera, diphtheria, and dysentery. People also drowned at river crossings, fell under wagon wheels, and simply succumbed to exhaustion.
How did settlers move west in the 1800s?
Western Settlers in the 1800s: The Oregon TrailIn order to traverse the rough and unknown land, the Oregon Trail was established by groups of pioneers who desired to move west. The trail stretched 2,000 miles from Independence, Missouri to the Willamette Valley, Oregon.
How did people travel on the Oregon Trail?
Overwhelmingly, the journey was made by wagons drawn by teams of draft animals. Some people did not have wagons and rode horseback, while others went west with handcarts, animal carts, or even the occasional carriage. There were many reasons why travelers pulled up roots and attempted such a long and perilous journey.
How did people in the 1800s travel?
At the beginning of the century, U.S. citizens and immigrants to the country traveled primarily by horseback or on the rivers. After a while, crude roads were built and then canals. Before long the railroads crisscrossed the country moving people and goods with greater efficiency.
How did people travel when moving west?
How did people travel on the California Trail?
Mules, horses, and most commonly, oxen were used to pull wagons. Other animals, including cows, sheep, goats, and chickens, also traveled on the trail. While wagons were the most commonly used conveyance, during the Gold Rush many young men crossed the trail with mules or on horseback, to quicken the journey.
How did most pioneers travel?
Horses were faster but not as strong or hardy as oxen. Some pioneers, including women, traveled west alone. Others traveled in small groups, either on foot or on horseback. The most common arrangement was for several families to travel together in an organized wagon train.
Why was travel west so difficult?
From crippling diseases, to wagon accidents, dangerous weather, wild creatures, and attacks by Native Americans, life was very difficult on the journey west.
What problems did people face when traveling west?
Obstacles included accidental discharge of firearms, falling off mules or horses, drowning in river crossings, and disease. After entering the mountains, the trail also became much more difficult, with steep ascents and descents over rocky terrain.
How did settlers move west before the railroad?
In the history of the American frontier, pioneers built overland trails throughout the 19th century, especially between 1829 and 1870, as an alternative to sea and railroad transport.
Why did people travel west?
Gold rush and mining opportunities (silver in Nevada) The opportunity to work in the cattle industry; to be a “cowboy” Faster travel to the West by railroad; availability of supplies due to the railroad. The opportunity to own land cheaply under the Homestead Act.
How did people travel on the trail?
Mules, horses, and most commonly, oxen were used to pull wagons. Other animals, including cows, sheep, goats, and chickens, also traveled on the trail. While wagons were the most commonly used conveyance, during the Gold Rush many young men crossed the trail with mules or on horseback, to quicken the journey.
How did pioneers travel?
Horses were faster but not as strong or hardy as oxen. Some pioneers, including women, traveled west alone. Others traveled in small groups, either on foot or on horseback. The most common arrangement was for several families to travel together in an organized wagon train.
How did settlers travel west in the 1800s?
At first they travelled in covered wagons, then by steamboats and stagecoaches. The coming of railroads increased the speed of the journeys, but for the emigrant travelers there was little in the way of amenities.