Warm Up (3rd Period)
How might geographical features provide obstacles
(problems) for migrating west?
Warm Up (4th Period)Miss G has given you a work
sheet with fill-in-the-blank questions. Start reading and working on this work sheet
right away. You have until 1:00!
On your warm-up sheet, write “Farmers Tame the Frontier”
ReviewMinersRanchers & CowboysRailroad OwnersRailroad WorkersNative AmericansSettlersAfrican-Americans/ “Exodusters”Mormons
California Gold Rush1848: discovery of gold
◦Sutter’s MillSecret gets out!1849: 40,000 migrants from EastAnother 40,000 boarded
steamships for San Fran.
Oregon TrailTrail first used in 1836Began in Independence, MOOver 2100 miles!Through Rocky Mts. Extended to Oregon Country
Oregon TrailMost of people who travelled the
Oregon Trail were men◦Women rarely travelled alone
1840-1860: one estimate says 269,000 people travelled OT
Many die along trail◦~10%
Mormon TrailTrail began in Nauvoo, IL
◦Principle setting of Mormonism1846-1868Paralleled Oregon Trail for most of
the routeEnds in Salt Lake City, Utah
Mormon TrailLike Oregon Trail, had to travel in
certain months“Handcart pioneers”: 1856-1860
◦Handcarts instead of wagons◦Attract poor European immigrants
Chisholm Trail1867From San Antonio, TX to Abilene,
KS“Cow towns” = towns that would
spring up on rail lines$$$
Chisholm TrailEnded in 1880s when rail lines
reached cattle country
So what problems would migrants encounter on these trails?
What problems would they have once they settle?
TransportationCovered wagons
◦Many deaths due to wagon accidents!
HandcartsWalking!
Weather ConditionsRain storms/floodsHARSH WINTERS! Fires
LifestyleDifferent jobs availableSod homes/Soddies: a home built
of blocks of prairie turfOutdoor lifeReligious freedom (Mormons!)
Closer Describe in 20 words or less what
a soddy home might look and smell like.