The Oregon Trail passes through Missouri, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho and Oregon. In 1836, when the first emigrants set out on the trail, it was considered the only plausible pathway to the western United States. Nevertheless, the trail was quite dangerous and 1 of every 10 emigrants died along the way. Today, you can visit many of the sites along the Oregon Trail.
Chimney Rock was sure to surprise emigrants along the Oregon Trail who had never seen a mountain. Today, the rock stands 325 feet tall, but at the time of migration the rock stood substantially higher and was referred to by many as the 8th wonder of the world. As reported by Idaho State University, according to one emigrant, “This is the most remarkable object that I ever saw, and if situated in the states would be visited by persons from all parts of the world.”
Chimney Rock National Historic Site
PO Box F
Bayard, Nebraska 69334
308-586-2581
Craters of the Moon describes an area of land in Idaho that resembles the surface of the moon. The vast, treeless and rocky area slowed the progress of emigrants considerably. Unlike Chimney Rock, the area was not met with euphoria. As one emigrant described it, Craters of the Moon was a "wrecked and ruined nature, a vast field of volcanic desolation," as reported by Idaho State University.
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
P.O. Box 29
Arco, Idaho 83213
208-527-1300
nps.gov/crmo/index.htm
Oregon City was the final stop along the Oregon Trail. Today, Oregon City is home to roughly 30,000 inhabitants. At the time, however, the town was quite small. There were three churches, three stores and one weekly newspaper. In Oregon City, every male emigrant was given 640 acres of land on which to start their new life.
The Pioneer Community Center
615 5th Street
Oregon City Oregon 97045
503-657-8287
orcity.org/parksandrecreation/pioneer-community-center
