Today, the Oregon Country includes Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and parts of Wyoming and British Columbia, Canada.
• The United States, Great Britain, Spain, and Russia all claimed Oregon.
• Eventually, Spain and Russia dropped their claims, and the U.S. and Great Britain agreed to share the land.
• Attracted by open land and excellent soil, thousands of people began to travel the Oregon Trail by 1843.
• Travelers had to cover 2,000 miles on foot in five months.
• Wagon trails were used by the travelers, and people worked together.
Ex.) women prepared the food
men cared for the wagons and horses
• People frequently traded with Native Americans.
Problems:
• Fatigue
• Weather; including heat in the summer, and snow in the mountains.
• Sickness, especially cholera
Success:
• Between 1840-1860, over 50,000 people reached Oregon.
