Headed West
1
During the 1800s, the United States saw huge growth. Many people were moving to the young country from Europe. Cities were getting crowded. Land east of the Mississippi River was getting more expensive to purchase. But west of the Mississippi River sat thousands of miles of land.
2
Many people decided to head west to claim their piece of land. They packed up their families and belongings, and made the long trek westward toward California and Oregon. The journey was difficult. Few people had traveled west, so settlers were unsure of the dangers they could face.
3
During this time, paved roads and highways did not exist. The settlers used a faint dirt trail that had been made by Native Americans and was mostly used by fur traders. This trail became what is now known as the Oregon Trail and extended 2,000 miles west to Oregon. Other trails to California and Utah split from the Oregon Trail.
4
Many settlers began the journey in Missouri, along the Mississippi River in a small town called Independence. Here, they stocked their wagons with food and supplies to get ready for the long journey. It was important to bring along items that would not spoil, such as crackers, beans, and rice. Cooking utensils and equipment were necessary as well. Tools were needed for repairs, and weapons were needed to hunt game. Many people tried to bring furniture and books but soon realized there was not enough room and had to dump their belongings along the side of the trail.
5
The first family to successfully make it west to Oregon arrived in 1840. By 1843, a mass migration began. A train of 120 wagons, 800 people, and 5,000 cattle left Independence to take the five-month journey west. In 1848, when gold was discovered in California, a whole new wave of people began the journey in hopes of going from rags to riches.
6
The trip west was not an easy one. Many people died when they tried to cross rivers in their wagons. Disease was a problem along the trail because it was spread through water at campsites along the way. But, many people were successful in their attempt. At least 500,000 settlers made it west between 1840 and 1866.
Read the sentence from the text.
In 1848, when gold was discovered in California, a whole new wave of people began the journey in hopes of going from rags to riches.
Drag the set of words that BEST completes the sentence.