Important locations along the Oregon Trail

1. Important Locations on the Oregon
Trail
A virtual tour

2. 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.

3. 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?

4. Chimney Rock
Located near Bayard, Nebraska *This image doesn’t show the “chimney” of
Chimney rock
Questions:
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?

5. 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?

6. 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

7. 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?

8. 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?