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Fur Trappers Begin Laying Oregon Trail
In 1811, fur trappers began laying the Oregon Trail. -
Final Part of Oregon Trail Opened to Wagon Traffic
In 1840, Robert Newel, Joseph L. Meek and their families reached the Columbia River opening the final part of the Oregon Trail to wagon traffic. -
1st Organized Wagon Train to the West Uses the Oregon Trail
In 1841, the first group of people used the Oregon Trail to migrate west. This was the first organized wagon train to the west. -
2nd Organized Wagon Train Left Missouri
The second organized wagon train left Missouri with 100 pioneers to migrate west. -
Great Migration
The Great Migration leaves Independence, Missouri with 120 wagons. -
California Gold Rush Extends the Oregon Trail
The California Gold Rush extends the Oregon Trail with the Californai Trail addition. -
1st Transcontinental Railroad Completed
In 1869, the first transcontinental railroad was completed, and the use of the Oregon Trail declined. -
Use of Oregon Trail Stopped
In the 1890s, roads and train travel improved so much that use of the Oregon Trail stopped.
