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| in the Oregon trail center |
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| looking over the Oregon trail - the sandy coloured marks are the original ruts of the wagons |
Economic
depressions in 1837 and 1841 frustrated farmers and businessmen
alike, letters from missionaries publicized the opportunities and
advantages of Oregon.
In
1841 the first group with serious intent to emigrate left the banks
of the Missouri river and headed west. It all began with crude rutted
traces along the land, these eventually became The Oregon Trail and
were used by nearly 400,000 people travelling west.
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| OREGON TRAIL RUTS |
We
visited this interpretive center where the story of their journey
came alive through life size exhibits and living history – they
walked for 180 days over 2,000 miles; men, women and children by the
tens of thousands, coaxing their heavy wagons and tired oxen along
the rugged, dusty trail from Missouri. Heading to the Promised Land.
One out of ten died along the trail through cholera, drowning,
accidents and Indians.
We
thought about the “Fieldhouse trail” over 6 months and considered
what they had suffered for their dream called Oregon. Quite an
emotional and inspiring story. They bred tough folks in those days!
Onwards,
sun shining and wind blowing, still heading east we drove part of
Hells Canyon Scenic Byway to Joseph (we were unable to get to Hells
Canyon as part of the road was closed) we camped on a state park at
the side of Wallowa Lake in the rain, surrounded by many mule deer.
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| ELKHORN MOUNTAINS |
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