Despite these and other killings, pioneers still boldly set out for Oregon Country. They were attracted by tales of wheat that grew taller than a man and turnips five feet around. Stories like these touched off a race to get to Oregon Country. Americans called it “Oregon fever.” As Oregon fever spread, pioneers clogged the trails west.
Beginning in 1843, wagon trains left every spring for Oregon Country. They followed a route called the Oregon Trail. Families planning to go west met at Independence, Missouri, in the early spring.
By mid-April, the prairie outside Independence was packed with people and wagons. Somehow, the pioneers formed themselves into wagon trains. Each group elected leaders to make decisions along the way.The Oregon-bound pioneers hurried to leave Independence in May. Timing was important. Travelers had to reach the Oregon lowlands by early October before the snow fell in the mountains. This meant that pioneers had to cover 2,000 miles in five months. In the 1840s, traveling 15 miles a day was considered making good time.Most pioneer families started the journey with a large amount of gear. As they crossed rivers and scaled mountains, they discarded belongings to lighten their wagons.As they moved toward the Rockies, pioneers often saw Indians. Often, they traded with the wagon trains.Hungry pioneers were grateful for the food that the Indians sold in return for clothing and tools. A traveler noted:
By reading this answer this question please Summarize what life was like for pioneers