The Oregon National Historic Trail covers more than 2,000 miles. Snaking from the Mississippi River to the Willamette Valley in Oregon, it was the main route for travelers in the 1840s seeking their fortune in the Oregon Territory. Wagons pulled by horses and oxen were the main mode of transportation for travelers. The journey could take up to 10 months. Landmarks and stops became important for people on the trail. Not only could the wagon teams check their progress toward the Oregon Territory, but they also got a chance to trade for needed items.
One of the first landmarks on the Oregon Trail, Courthouse Rock became one of the most famous. Located in western Nebraska, the monolith towered 400 feet above the travelers. To the east of Courthouse Rock stood Jail Rock, another monolith that became a landmark for travelers. The monolith was first called Courthouse Rock in 1837 because its wide stance reminded travelers of a public building. The adjacent Jail Rock was much slimmer.
Established in 1834, this military post would become fabled in the history of the American West. Home to miners, traders, Native Americans, soldiers, missionaries, and cowboys, it was a hotbed of action. It was also one of the major trading posts on the Oregon Trail. Part of its growth was due to wagon train members who were simply tired of traveling and wanted to stop and settle. The fort marked the entrance to the Rockies, so wagon trains would also winter in the town. It usually took wagon trains six weeks to reach Fort Laramie. During the 1850s, the military was dispatched from Fort Laramie to squelch attacks by Native American tribes and to keep rebellious Mormon settlers in line. This city lies in modern Wyoming not far from the Nebraska border and is still known by its name.
Soda Springs was named for the naturally carbonated water caused by volcanic activity. Immigrants used the water for its alleged healing powers but became sick after ingesting too much alkali. In 1863, Soda Springs was the site of the signing of the Shoshone-Bannock Peace Treaty. Though rare, attacks by Native Americans happened. The Wagon Box Grave marks the spot where a family of seven was killed. Soda Springs is located in modern-day Idaho.
The Hudson Bay Company helped fund the building of Fort Boise. Trapping was a lucrative business, and the Hudson Bay Company wanted to lure traders to Fort Boise instead of Fort Hall, which was owned by a rival company. Historians note that the fort was known for its hospitality and that the fort was run by members of the Owyhee tribe. The Hudson Bay Company had a history of working with the Native American tribes as it expanded its trapping operations. Fort Boise was one of the last trading posts that wagon trains would encounter before making it to the end of the Oregon Trail. Fort Boise was located on the Snake River, in modern Idaho.
When travelers reached The Dalles, they knew they were close to the end of their journey. The Columbia River narrowed at the city, offering the settlers two choices. They could float down the river until they reached the Willamette River, or they could take the Barlow Road and travel by wagon past Mount Hood. The waters of the Columbia were dangerous, and many settlers hired Native American guides to help them down the river. Still others decided that the trip was not worth it and settled in The Dalles.
