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 your answer has to be at least sentences
Life for pioneers in the 1840s was challenging and filled with risk. Despite the potential dangers, such as Native American attacks and the harsh conditions of the journey, pioneers were enticed by stories of abundant resources and fertile land in Oregon Country. They experienced a rush of excitement, known as "Oregon fever," which led to a mass migration westward. Pioneers gathered in Independence, Missouri, and organized themselves into wagon trains, electing leaders to guide them on their journey. Timing was crucial, as they needed to reach their destination before the onset of winter. Pioneers had to cover a distance of 2,000 miles in just five months, averaging 15 miles of travel per day. Along the way, they encountered Native American tribes, often trading with them for essential supplies. Pioneers had to lighten their wagons by discarding belongings as they faced challenges like crossing rivers and scaling mountains. Despite the hardships, the allure of new opportunities and the chance to create a better life kept pioneers determined and motivated on their journey to Oregon Country.
shorten that
Life for pioneers in the 1840s was challenging and risky, but they were enticed by stories of fertile land in Oregon Country. Known as "Oregon fever," this led to a mass migration westward. Pioneers gathered in Independence, Missouri, and formed wagon trains, electing leaders. Timing was crucial, as they had to reach their destination before winter. They traveled about 15 miles a day, discarding belongings to lighten their wagons. They encountered Native American tribes, trading with them for supplies. Despite hardships, pioneers were determined to create a better life in Oregon Country.
Describe what life was like for pioneers in short bullet pionts
- Challenging and risky journey
- Attracted by stories of fertile land in Oregon Country
- Mass migration known as "Oregon fever"
- Gathered in Independence, Missouri, and formed wagon trains
- Elected leaders for decision-making
- Timing crucial to reach destination before winter
- Traveled approximately 15 miles a day
- Discarded belongings to lighten wagons
- Encountered Native American tribes and traded for supplies
- Determined to create a better life in Oregon Country.
for kids to understand
- Pioneers were brave people who traveled a long way to a place called Oregon Country.
- They were attracted by stories of really good food, like giant wheat and huge turnips.
- Pioneers got really excited and called it "Oregon fever" which made a lot of them want to go there.
- They gathered in a place called Independence, Missouri, and formed groups called wagon trains.
- They elected leaders to help make decisions during the journey.
- Pioneers had to leave in May and travel really fast to get to Oregon Country before winter came.
- They had to cover a really long distance of 2,000 miles in just five months, which means they traveled about 15 miles every day.
- Pioneers had to get rid of some of their things along the way to make their wagons lighter.
- They met Native American tribes and sometimes they traded things like clothes and tools for food.
- Even though they faced challenges, pioneers were determined and hopeful for a better life in Oregon Country.