Why did the pioneers want Oregon?
There were many reasons for the westward movement to Oregon and California. Economic problems upset farmers and businessmen. Free land in Oregon and the possibility of finding gold in California lured them westward.
What did pioneers need on the Oregon Trail?
While outfitting for the journey, early pioneers were told they needed to purchase everything necessary to sustain them along the Trail for up to six months, as well as farming and building supplies for when they arrived in Oregon — in other words, everything they would need for the rest of their lives.
What were settlers seeking when they decided to take the Oregon Trail?
Mormons, seeking refuge from religious persecution, followed part of the trail to new settlements around Salt Lake, and in the late 1840s, an explosion of fortune seekers responded to word of the California gold strikes. In April of 1849, more than 20,000 people left for Oregon and California.
What was the main purpose of the Oregon Trail?
The Oregon Trail was a roughly 2,000-mile route from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon City, Oregon, which was used by hundreds of thousands of American pioneers in the mid-1800s to emigrate west.
Why did immigrants want to go to Oregon in the 1800s?
The rich farmlands of Oregon drew thousands of settlers. The land was free to those who could make it the Oregon Territory. People who were farming on marginal lands in Indiana, illinois and Missouri found the lure of rich farmland in the Willamette valley irresistible.
Why were settlers attracted to the Oregon Country?
Why were trappers and settlers attracted to Oregon Country? Trappers were attracted because of the plentiful fur-bearing animals; settlers were attracted by the fertile land in certain areas such as the Willamette River valley.
What do you need on the Oregon Trail?
Generally, the following minimum rations were recommended for each adult person:
- 120-200 pounds of flour in canvas sacks.
- 30 pounds of hardtack or crackers.
- 25-75 pounds of bacon.
- 15 pounds ground corn.
- ½ bushel cornmeal.
- 10-50 pounds of rice.
- 2 pounds of saleratus (an early form of baking soda)
- 10 pounds of salt.
What did the pioneers bring with them?
The pioneers would take with them as many supplies as possible. They took cornmeal, bacon, eggs, potatoes, rice, beans, yeast, dried fruit, crackers, dried meat, and a large barrel of water that was tied to the side of the wagon. If the pioneers could take a cow, they would.
Why did the pioneers want to move 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.
What was the Oregon Trail quizlet?
Oregon Trail. The Oregon Trail was a major route that people took when migrating to the western part of the United States. Between 1841 and 1869, hundreds of thousands of people traveled westward on the trail. Many of them traveled in large wagon trains using covered wagons to carry their belongings.
Who used the Oregon Trail and why?
From the early to mid-1830s (and particularly through the years 1846–1869) the Oregon Trail and its many offshoots were used by about 400,000 settlers, farmers, miners, ranchers, and business owners and their families.
Why were immigrants going to Oregon?
When the 19th century began, four nations claimed ownership of the Oregon country—Spain, Russia, England, and the United States. Missionary desire to convert the Indians brought the first Americans to the area; more came in order to be involved in the fur trade.
What did pioneers do when they got to Oregon?
Emigrants could corral and graze their animals at the Farm while, for 50 cents, they dined on large portions of beef, potatoes, slaw, and biscuits. At Oregon City, after six months of grueling travel over 2000 miles, newcomers might rest a bit and resupply in town at establishments such as Abernethy's Store.
What are three reasons Americans moved to Oregon?
People went on the journey westward for many reasons. For example, it could have been for religious resons like Manifest Destiny and spreading their religion. Financial reasons like escaping debt, starting businesses, or raising a farm with fertile soil. Another reason was just for the sense of fun and adventure.
Who settled in Oregon?
John Jacob Astor, as the head of the Pacific Fur Company, began European American settlement of the Oregon country with the establishment of a trading post at Astoria in 1811.
What types of foods did pioneers take with them for the journey to Oregon?
A guide written by Joel Palmer, who traveled to Oregon in 1845, advised people to pack 10 pounds of rice per adult for the journey. They could eat it with meat, like dried beef. Travelers also enjoyed rice with water, milk, butter, sugar, molasses, and our favorite, cornmeal mush.
What tools did pioneers Bring on the Oregon Trail?
Each man took a rifle or shotgun and some added a pistol. A good hunting knife was essential. Farm implements such as a plow, shovel, scythe, rake, hoe; plus carpentry tools – saw, broad axe, mallet, plane. Seeds for corn, wheat and other crops.
What food did they bring on the Oregon Trail?
Cornmeal Pancakes Like flour, pioneers brought along tons of cornmeal for the trail. Cornmeal was easy to make and transport, so travelers got creative with how they used it in their meals. A favorite food on the Oregon Trail was cornmeal pancakes, which could easily be fried up over the campfire.
When did pioneers travel the Oregon Trail?
In the years to come, pioneers came to call the route the Oregon Trail. In 1842, a slightly larger group of 100 pioneers made the 2,000-mile journey to Oregon.
Why did settlers on the Oregon Trail travel in groups?
While wagon trains frequently traveled together by choice, factors such as weather and trail conditions often resulted in unintended “bunching” along the route. One of the main reasons for this phenomenon was that groups generally had to embark at approximately the same time each year.
Where did the Oregon Trail end?
Oregon City The final wagon stop on the Oregon trail, Oregon City welcomes visitors with food, drink, museums and outdoor activities. Oregon City was the end of the trail for many because it was where land claims were granted for Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Wyoming.
Why did pioneers move west?
Pioneers and settlers moved out west for different reasons. Some of them wanted to claim free land for ranching and farming from the government through the Homestead Act. Others came to California during the gold rush to strike it rich. Even others, such as the Mormons, moved west to avoid persecution.
What do pioneers do?
A pioneer is someone who sees potential, an innovator who is willing to try new things. A pioneer pushes boundaries to advance a cause or idea or break a record. These men and women have experienced success in their field, sometimes by overcoming great challenges.
Why was Oregon City important to the Oregon Trail?
Long before pioneers crossed the continent in their covered wagons and challenged the British claim to the Pacific Northwest, the area in the Willamette Valley now known as Oregon City was the center of commerce and culture for the Native American tribes of the region.
Why were settlers attracted to the Oregon country?
Why were trappers and settlers attracted to Oregon Country? Trappers were attracted because of the plentiful fur-bearing animals; settlers were attracted by the fertile land in certain areas such as the Willamette River valley.
What is Oregon known for?
Let's take a look at the 16 things Oregon is known for.
- Crater Lake.
- Mount Hood.
- Cannon Beach.
- The Goonies.
- Oregon Trail.
- Lewis and Clark.
- University of Oregon.
- Nike.
Why was Oregon settled?
British explorer James Cook explored the Oregon Coast in 1778 in search of the Northwest Passage. Beginning in the late 1780s many ships from Britain, America, and other countries sailed to the Pacific Northwest to engage in the region's emerging Maritime Fur Trade business.
What is pioneer food?
Pioneer foods can be defined as the emergency foods and the makeshift methods of food preparation employed by European settlers in the Americas, Africa, Australia, and other parts of the world to which European culture was transplanted en masse.
Where did pioneers get water?
Obtaining water was, of course, a primary need for both sustaining homestead crops and the lives of the homesteaders themselves. The fastest-moving settlers staked their claims near rivers, streams, or springs, but these desirable "waterfront" homesteads quickly became unavailable. Most families had to dig wells.
What did pioneers use?
The basic tools required by every pioneer were a gun, ammunition, powder, fish hooks and line, traps, an ax, a spade and a hoe. With these tools, he and his neighbors could build, hunt, plant crops and gather food.