Westward Expansion
Moving Toward the West
Westward Expansion Introduction
Have you ever heard of Western Expansion? The Westward Expansion is a series of events that moved people from the east or the mid-west to the west. Some famous events include traveling on the Oregon and California Trail and the Sacramento Gold Rush. These events occurred because people wanted gold and other riches, to start a new life, and to own their own farming land. If the Westward Expansion had not occurred, things would not be the same as they are today!
Oregon and California Trails
When explorers went to explore the western part of the United States, some found many routes to get to places such as California and Oregon. Some of these routes would turn into the Oregon and California Trails. When people first heard about these routes, some decided to go to California and Oregon for the rich resources they had heard of. In 1846, pioneers came from Missouri and other bordering states. Pioneers came in parties or in other words, groups of people. There were about 2,200 miles of trail to get to their destinations in the west. Many obstacles and hardships were faced by these pioneers, and few made it. After crossing the Sierra Nevada Mountains before winter, parties were most likely safe. The people who traveled the Oregon and California Trails saw many places and some famous landmarks that even we see today. Pioneers traveling to Oregon probably wanted good farming land, and the pioneers going to California possibly wanted to get riches such as gold.
The California and Oregon Trails
Manifest Destiny
Mormon Emigrant Family
Transportation and Supplies on the Trails
It was a hard trip on most parts of the California and Oregon Trails, and it would have been harder on foot. Pioneers traveled in covered wagons that carried their supplies that they would need for their trip. Cattle such as oxen moved the wagons along with the pioneers and their supplies. Others rode on horses to lead the cattle on the trail, to look ahead for dangers, or to help others in need. Lots of food, water, and other supplies were carried, but most of the time, supplies ran out. Therefore, hunting and stopping at forts for more items was needed. I’m realizing that transportation and supplies were one of the biggest problems on the Oregon and California Trails.
Supplies Used on the Trails
Covered Wagon
Cattle
The Donner Party
A famous group who traveled the California Trail was the Donner Party. They traveled a route to California that had not really been explored. Some members of the group survived, but their journey was very harsh. The group started from Springfield, Illinois. In the beginning, the Donner Party was very excited about their journey, and I believe that they had much entertainment, too. Entertainment was usually collecting flowers, singing, playing instruments, riding on horseback, and much more. This party met with Native Americans whom they traded with and other parties they helped, joined, or saw. Many people died on this journey, and when food was scarce, cannibalism occurred. In other words, cannibalism is the eating of human flesh. The Donner Party did not make it over the Sierra Nevada mountains before winter, so they were stuck in a cabin there until spring came or until someone rescued them.
The Sacramento Gold Rush
The Sacramento Gold Rush started abruptly in 1849, and died down in 1855. Many had heard the stories of finding gold in California, the first from Sutter’s Mill, and people from many places around the world came to California looking for gold. Some miners struck it rich, but most lost their money. Camps were set by rivers, and miners came to try their luck at gold. Entrepreneurs that sold goods were probably luckier, and some turned out rich doing so. During the Sacramento Gold Rush, some found silver instead of gold. After the gold rush died down, many natural areas were destroyed. Machinery and other supplies were abandoned, and oil problems like spills happened. Miners, after the gold rush, went back to their original homes, or some miners stayed in California. This makes me think that all in all, the Sacramento Gold Rush was really a negative thing after all.
Gold
Sacramento Mining District
Mules
A Miner's Life
Conclusion
After reading this passage, think about how life was traveling west and in the Gold Rush. Don’t you think that life was hard back then?!? Think about what other reasons were caused after these events passed. Furthermore, the Gold Rush changed the environment, and the Oregon and California Trails changed the lives of many.