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This section of our site is organized to make it easier to research and find materials useful for understanding the varied aspects of the westward migrations. There is a vast range of materials and information about the West, but only some of this can be presented here. It is hoped that this will provide the basic information and encourage the door to be opened for deeper study. Some of the materials we have developed about the historic trails can be found in Classroom Resources.
The Oregon-California Trails Association, known as OCTA, is the guardian and promoter of the exciting story of the 19th Century westward American migration. Paper Trail is the website created by OCTA based on a searchable index of these remarkable journeys, with names, places and a survey of the text. This database includes a list of libraries where the original historic documents may be found.
Have you have ever thought about throwing all of your possessions into the back of your car and heading out for parts unknown? If so, then you already know the feeling that propelled hundreds of thousands of emigrants westward in the mid-1800s.
The trail facts which appear on our website are the work of Dr. Robert Munkres, our resident historical expert, who compiled them from various sources. These trail facts may be downloaded for personal reading convenience or to be used in the classroom. For all other uses you must first obtain permission. Click on a question to view answers.
It has been estimated that one in ten emigrants died during the crossing. Most of these graves were hastily-dug because few emigrants had the time to mark the graves of the deceased. In most cases, graves were marked with little more than a simple wooden board. Nevertheless, some emigrants fashioned more elaborate markers from the materials at hand such as native rocks or, in one notable instance, a wagon rim. A number of these emigrant graves can still be found along the trails and through the dedicated research of some OCTA volunteers, the history of the deceased has been reconstructed.
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