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The Oregon Trail

"Go west, young man, go west," said New York Tribune writer Horace Greeley. Before long, thousands of Americans did indeed begin to go west. California and Oregon fever became rampant, and the story of the great western migration had begun. However, for many who had chosen to pursue their dream of finding a better life out west, the price they paid was far greater than they could have imagined.

The 2,000 plus mile trip known as the Oregon Trail took about five or six months to complete. Historians estimate more than a half million people traveled west between 1800 and 1900. There were many dangers and hardships along the trail, and many deaths as well – almost one in ten did not survive the journey. Those that did complete the journey were the pioneers that settled the American West.

In this mini-unit study, you can learn about every facet of the Oregon Trail, read a trail guide published for travelers in 1845, download a huge resource packet of Oregon Trail info and activities for teachers, see pictures of places along the trail with an interactive map, play a Jeopardy-like classroom game that tests Oregon Trail knowledge, download a free Oregon Trail game demo to your iPhone and create your own Oregon Trail diary.

Reading

All About the Oregon Trail

The Emigrants' Guide to Oregon and California (pub. 1845)

Oregon Trail Education Resource Guide (158-page PDF for teachers)

Map & Timeline

The Oregon Trail Interactive Map

Fun & Games

Oregon Trail Jeopardy Game for Classrooms (in Power Point format)

Download Free Demo of iPhone/iTouch Oregon Trail Video Game

Projects and Activities

Create an Oregon Trail Diary

Recommended Resource

Great Pioneer Projects You Can Build Yourself

What was it like to be an American pioneer during the 1800s? Great Pioneer Projects You Can Build Yourself introduces readers ages 9 and up to the settling of the great American frontier with over 25 hands-on building projects and activities. Young learners build replica sod houses, log cabins, and covered wagons, and create their own printing presses and maps.

Great Pioneer Projects You Can Build Yourself provides detailed step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and templates for creating each project. Historical facts and anecdotes, biographies, and fascinating trivia support the fun projects and teach readers about the American pioneers' relentless push westward.

122 Pages, Soft Cover
List Price 14.95 Our Price 11.25
Reading level 9 and up
Purchase here