The Oregon Trail was a 2,000-mile journey from Independence, Missouri to the Willamette Valley in Oregon. It was a grueling journey that could take up to six months to complete. In order to survive the journey, pioneers needed to bring a variety of necessities with them.
Food
Pioneers needed to bring enough food to last them the entire journey. This food needed to be non-perishable and easy to transport. Some of the most common foods that pioneers brought included:
* Dried meat
* Flour
* Sugar
* Coffee
* Tea
* Beans
* Rice
Water
Pioneers needed to bring enough water to last them between water sources. This could be a challenge, especially in the dry summer months. Some of the ways that pioneers stored water included:
* Barrels
* Kegs
* Canteens
* Water bags
Clothing
Pioneers needed to bring clothing that was appropriate for the weather conditions they would encounter. The weather on the Oregon Trail could vary drastically, from hot summer days to cold winter nights. Some of the clothing that pioneers brought included:
* Wool clothing
* Cotton clothing
* Leather clothing
* Hats
* Scarves
* Boots
Shelter
Pioneers needed to bring shelter to protect them from the elements. This could be a tent, a wagon, or a cabin. Some of the factors that pioneers considered when choosing their shelter included:
* The size of their family
* The amount of weight they could carry
* The climate conditions they would encounter
Tools
Pioneers needed to bring tools to help them build their shelter, repair their wagon, and hunt for food. Some of the tools that pioneers brought included:
* Axes
* Hammers
* Saws
* Chisels
* Shovels
* Picks
Medicine
Pioneers needed to bring medicine to treat common illnesses and injuries. Some of the medicines that pioneers brought included:
* Aspirin
* Quinine
* Calomel
* Epsom salts
* Laudanum
Weapons
Pioneers needed to bring weapons to protect themselves from wild animals and hostile Native Americans. Some of the weapons that pioneers brought included:
* Rifles
* Shotguns
* Pistols
* Knives
Other Supplies
In addition to the above necessities, pioneers also brought a variety of other supplies with them, such as:
* Pots
* Pans
* Dishes
* Utensils
* Bedding
* Candles
* Matches
* Soap
Packing for the Oregon Trail was a daunting task, but it was essential to the pioneers' survival. By bringing the right supplies, pioneers could increase their chances of making it safely to their destination.