1. When you see the pencil appear, fill in the information in red on your info-graphic guided notes page.
© Karalynn Tyler 2015

2. Disputed by Britain and U.S.
In 1819 Oregon was claimed by Russia, Spain, Great Britain, and the United States. Lewis & Clark had made their way to the Oregon Coast in 1806 when they explored the Louisiana Territory. Eventually, Russia and Spain backed out of their claims leaving the United States and Britain to determine what to do. James K. Polk ran for President in 1844 with a campaign promise to add Oregon Country to the United States.
All of Oregon or none!
Disputed by Britain and U.S.
Oregon Country
United States
1844
Spain
© Karalynn Tyler 2015

3. Okay, so half of Oregon and no war.
After explorer and adventurer Jedediah Smith discovered an easier passage through the Rocky Mountains, American settlers began to travel to Oregon territory. At first, most were missionaries wanting to bring Christianity to the native people. Word got back east that the region was a “Pioneer’s paradise” and Oregon Fever hit! Polk decided not to risk going to war over Oregon Country and worked out a compromise treaty in 1846 to split the territory with Britain at the 49th Parallel.
Okay, so half of Oregon and no war.
© Karalynn Tyler 2015

4. Jedediah Smith
What do these pictures of Jedediah portray about his contribution to history?

5. 1846 The U.S. made a treaty with Britain to avoid going to war.
James K. Polk
Campaigned for President promising to gain Oregon.
© Karalynn Tyler 2015

6. Most settlers heading west followed the Oregon Trail
Most settlers heading west followed the Oregon Trail. This route stretched over 2,000 miles from Independence, Missouri, to Portland, Oregon. The travelers set out in spring with the urgency to reach their destination without getting caught in the harsh Rocky Mountains during the winter. Pioneers left in caravans to travel together for protection. More than 50,000 people traveled the Oregon Trail between 1840 and 1860, lured by the promise of fertile farmland and rich natural resources.
Reason:
Trace the trail on the map ORANGE.
Traveled By:
Pioneers
Land for settlers
Natural Resources
© Karalynn Tyler 2015

7. On the Oregon Trail
What does the scenery look like in this painting? How does it affect your mood?

8. On the Oregon Trail What types of animals do you see here?
Describe the scenery.

9. The Mormons are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Everywhere they settled, the Mormons faced persecution because of their religious beliefs. Brigham Young became the leader in 1844 after Joseph Smith was killed. He decided to move their community to Utah where they could be left alone to practice their faith in peace. Their difficult journey began in Illinois and ended near the Great Salt Lake. By 1877, Utah was home to over 125,000 Mormons. They lived in communities and pioneered new farming methods in the dry region.
Reason:
Trace the trail on the map PURPLE.
Traveled By:
Mormons
Escape Religious Persecution
Be left alone to practice their faith
© Karalynn Tyler 2015

10. What is different about this picture than the previous ones?
What kinds of attire are the people wearing? How will this affect them in their new environment?
Mormon Trail

11. Sell American goods to Mexico
The Santa Fe Trail opened in 1821 as a route for traders and businessmen to sell goods in Mexico. Traders loaded their wagons in Missouri and crossed plains, mountains, and deserts to sell their goods to neighboring Mexicans. The trips were risky with dust storms, illness, hostile Indians, and lack of water. But business was very good for those willing to brave the conditions. Unlike the other trails used by settlers, pioneers, farmers, and miners, the purpose of the Santa Fe Trail was trade. By 1860’s over $3.5 million in goods had been traded. The trail was replaced by the railroad in 1880.
Reason:
Trace the trail on the map BLUE.
Traveled By:
Traders
Sell American goods to Mexico
© Karalynn Tyler 2015

12. Santa Fe Trail What type of environment does this painting show?
What hazards might settlers face traveling through this environment?

13. The California Trail was a split from the Oregon Trail that was used originally by fur traders in the 1840’s. Nearly 2,500 people had used the trail prior to After gold was discovered in Sacramento in 1848, the trail was mainly used by gold prospectors and miners hoping to strike it rich in the gold rush. Between 1849 and 1850, over 250,000 miners, prospectors, businessmen, and farmers traveled the California Trail. The traffic was so heavy in those two years, it helped make California the 31st state in 1850.
Reason:
Trace the trail on the map GREEN.
Traveled By:
49’ers
Mineral Wealth
Start Businesses
© Karalynn Tyler 2015

14. California Trail
What do you notice about this scene? How does it make you feel?

15. Optional Video Links
Wagon Trails to the West
America Story of Us: The Oregon Trail & Donner Party