Important Locations on the Oregon Trail

A virtual tour

Intro

The journey along the Oregon Trail would be a long one now-a-days, so in the 1800s we can only imagine the struggle of the 2,000 mile trek. Along the way, there were many stopping points and/or landmarks that not only told the pioneers where they were, but kept their spirits up knowing they were on the right track and making progress. Let’s take a look at a few of the big ones.

Courthouse & Jail Rock

Located just south of what is now Bridgeport, Nebraska.Questions:1) Roughly how far is Courthouse Rock from the beginning of the trail in

Independence, Missouri?2) What do you notice about the vegetation, and what does it tell you about

the conditions of the trail at this point?

Chimney Rock

Located near Bayard, Nebraska *This image doesn’t show the “chimney” of Chimney rockQuestions:1) How did the formation of Chimney Rock historically have an impact on the

spirits of the pioneers?2) What are the two things the “chimney” represented for the pioneers?

Fort Laramie

Was located at the junction of the North Platte and Laramie rivers in Wyoming.Questions:1) What did this landmark mean for the pioneers?2) What does the land and vegetation in this image tell you about the

conditions at this point on the trail?

Independence Rock

Located near Casper, WY.Questions:1) What are the two things pioneers would stop here to do? (hint-think

about the type of rock)2) What is notable about the land surrounding the rock? List 3

observations

Fort Hall

Located near Pocatello, Idaho.Questions:1) What is notable about this location (in regards to physical attributes) in

comparison to the previous four?2) How do you think this affected the spirits of the pioneers and how

does it validate their journey?

Whitman Mission

Located near Walla Walla, Washington.Questions:1) How does this location connect with Fort Hall?2) Why do you think some pioneers chose to end their journey here and settle,

rather than continuing on to the ultimate goal of Oregon City?