The Oregon Trail

Economic boom in the Northwest The word got around that there was economic opportunity for fur traders in the Northwest territory of Oregon. The American Fur company was established in 1808 in Astoria Oregon. Mountain Men were established and focused their energy on trapping game (large animals with thick furs) that could be traded and made into clothing, blankets, rugs, etc. This trade and economic opportunity enticed many in the east to travel to Oregon for their chance to succeed.

The Oregon Trail 2000 miles from Missouri to Oregon is where settlers would travel for a chance to be part of this new trade business Many died along the way because of disease, lack of food/water, and overall exhaustion. Pioneers on the trail were headed for a tough life. They worked with hand tools to build shelters and clear plants and brush to continue on. Some settlers gave up and returned east while others pressed on.

Follow up Questions/Discussion Were the dangers worth the trip? If you had been on the trail and had any kind of hardship would you have turned back? Kept going? Why? What would have been more exciting….the concept of what economic opportunities awaited you OR starting a new life on the frontier?