It is possible to wonder what it was like traveling in the mid- and early 1800s. What was the most difficult thing for Pioneers during their 2,000-mile journey from California to Oregon in search of fertile soils and good rains? This essay will be about the landscape they encountered along the way, as well as their encounters with diseases and illnesses, and the food they ate. I will first discuss the landscape they faced.
The Oregon trail’s most difficult challenge was probably the landscapes. They were travelling in a wagon without roads which made this a very difficult challenge. Because they are unable to climb up steep hills, it was difficult. A windlass or rope would be required to help wagons climb hills. A windlass works in the same way as water coming from a well. They attached a rope and pulled the wagons to their destination. Windlasses were used to make wagons go down hills faster so that livestock doesn’t get trampled or lost. Rivers were another problem faced by Pioneers along the Oregon Trail. There wasn’t much else to cross them. To pull the canoes across, one of the most popular methods was to flip them over and use a rope to hold them. There were many people who tried to raise livestock. However, this could cause them to lose their wagons, or worse, make people fall and scare the animals. It was not easy to find the right people and avoid certain diseases. Many Pioneers came across American Indians while on their journey. Most Indians were not happy with this. Some Indians would steal food and livestock from settlers who arrived. To protect their livestock from Indian raiders, the pioneers placed their wagons around a circle. American Indians would wait at the riverbank because they were used to sleeping at night. Instant cholera was a common disease among American Indians. The Oregon Trail was plagued by diseases that claimed the lives of the most pioneers. Cholera was the most prevalent disease along the Oregon Trail. Cholera is usually fatal. It is usually caused by drinking contaminated waters. This could cause very severe vomiting or diarrhea. Cholera can be fatal in as little as 24 hours. It was common because of the presence of cholera-carrying trash left behind by pioneers. They became dehydrated after they had diarrhea and vomited. They usually recover if they don’t die within 12 to 24 hours. Now, let’s discuss their food.
Pioneers often ate so much food that they couldn’t travel the entire 2,000-mile distance. It began when pioneers first left. They didn’t realize how difficult it would become. They would eat so much that they ran out of food. Their livestock was their only source of food. Others were now more prepared, but only had enough to get them there on their own. They had to be able to cook the food, and sometimes they were without water or wood. If they are unable to find food, they must eat livestock. Cannibalism means that you consume the body of someone who has died to ensure your survival. This was necessary for survival. If they didn’t get there in time, they would run out of food quickly because hibernating animals meant they couldn’t hunt. The desert was another problem. One problem was the fact that water could be contaminated, meaning it was not safe for humans and livestock to drink. Unsanitary food can also cause illness.
We now know how it would feel to travel 2000 miles on foot or in a wagon. Now, the major challenges were the deserts, mountains and people they encountered, along with diseases like cholera and food scarcity. Some historical sites can still be seen along the Oregon Trail. You will still find some wagon engravings in this area.
