4. Go west, young man

Horace Greeley once said those famous words (Go west, young man). At the time he was referring to the expansion of the country, and the myth that young, single, and wild men were the ones that would head to the west looking for adventure and riches.  In reality, many of the people that went west were actually much more likely to be families.  Some were heading to the rumored "gold rich" hills of California. Others were headed towards Oregon on the famed Oregon Trail. Yet others were Mormons, that were trying to get to Salt Lake City.

Today, you will attempt to pack your own trail to head west on the Oregon Trail. Follow the directions on the PDF that is handed out called Pack Your Wagon. You will have a limited amount of weight that you can carry, so make wise choices. Your hypothetical survival on the trail could depend on it.

Additional Resources

Dangers on the Trail. Will help you with your journal

The route each trail follows, in text

Oregon Trail Map with some cities on it