It began as an unconnected series of trails used by Native Americans. Fur Traders expanded the route to transport pelts to trading posts and rendezvous. In the 183Us, missionaries followed the still faint trail along the Platte River and the Snake to establish church connections in the Northwest. Economic and political events in the 1840s converged to start a large-scale west migration on what was then known as "The Oregon Road." Joel Walker is credited as the first settler to make the complete trip with a family in 1840. Large-scale migration started in 1843 when a wagon train of over 800 people with 120 wagons and 5,000 cattle made the five-month journey. In 1847, Mormons escaping persecution headed toward Salt Lake, and the discovery of gold in California in 1848 sent a wave of fortune seekers west. Military posts, trading posts, shortcuts, and spur roads sprang off the Oregon Trail over the next three decades.
-Department of the Interior
Use the passage to answer the question.
Which of the following best summarizes this passage?
(1 point)
• The Oregon Trail was first used by Mormons fleeing religious persecution.
• The Oregon Trail grew from small beginnings to a major migration route.
• The Oregon Trail was made more accessible by missionaries who helped define the route.
• The military developed the Oregon Trail to monitor interactions between Native American groups and settlers.
The Oregon Trail grew from small beginnings to a major migration route.
Which of the following accurately portrays life for pioneers traveling west?
(1 point)
• Entire families rarely traveled together because it was too dangerous for the children.
• Travel across the land was preferred over river travel because of the need to bring wagons.
• Pioneers carried all their possessions on long and dangerous trails.
• Pioneers traveled along well-maintained trails with little difficulty.