University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Westward
Overview of U.S. westward expansion during the 1800s.
Scholastic
Scholastic: Our America: Western Expansion
Reviews of children's literature, student activities, and interactive games from Scholastic that enrich a student's understanding and appreciation of western expansion before the Civil War.
Sacramento Bee
Sac Bee: The Journey by Land
This CalGoldRush.com site discusses where people came from and the many routes that were taken to get to California. Many traveled the Mormon and Oregon Trails.
PBS
New Perspectives on the West: Marcus Whitman & Narcissa Whitman
PBS site detailing the Whitmans' journey to Oregon country, their establishment of a mission, and their death at the hands of the Indians. Also includes some background information.
The History Cat
The History Cat: u.s. History: The Oregon Trail
A glimpse at life on the Oregon Trail during 19th-century westward expansion. Written humorously with teen learners in mind, students can view original photographs and read excerpts from pioneer diaries for a sense of the arduous journey.
Other
U.s. Route 40: History of Route 40
The history of U.S. Route 40, including the development of predecessor roads such as colonial roads, the national road, pioneer trails, and various highways.
Other
U.s. Route 40: History of Route 40
The history of U.S. Route 40, including the development of predecessor roads such as colonial roads, the national road, pioneer trails, and various highways.
Other
Historic Trails: Oregon/california Trails
Find a map of the Oregon Trail and California Trail and click Historical Trails tab to discover the hardships and daily grind of traveling on the Oregon Trail.
Other
Oregon: Culture: History and Economy
This history summary about the state of Oregon starts with settlement via the Oregon Trail and includes such milestones as statehood in 1859. There is also information about Oregon's economy and government.
Bob Dunn
History Globe: The Oregon Trail: 1843 Map
Take a virtual tour of the historic Oregon Trail and see photos of the landmarks along the way. Compare the map of 1843 with a modern map of today.
Other
Oregon's First Settlers: Genealogical Research in Oregon
See a chart showing the number of settlers using the Oregon Trail between 1840 and 1859 by scrolling down to "Wagon Trains."
Other
The Oregon Trail: Fantastic Facts About the Oregon Trail
This resource provides quirky facts about the Oregon Trail.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: On the Oregon Trail
In this lesson plan, students will consider On the Oregon Trail. Worksheets and other supporting materials can be found under the Resources tab.
Smithsonian Institution
National Portrait Gallery: 1846: Portrait of a Nation
This site provides a glimpse into the United States in the year 1846. James Polk was president and the Westward Expansion was in full force. The site has nice historical photographs.
Library of Congress
Loc: Today in History: February 16: Missionaries in the Oregon Territory
This Library of Congress site briefly describes the missionary movement to Oregon, centering around Marcus Whitman.
Read Works
Read Works: Westward Expansion the Oregon Trail
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about traveling along the Oregon Trail during the Westward Expansion. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Library of Congress
Loc: Merica's Story: Oregon Territory
Read about the settling of Oregon country and how westward expansion prompted Congress to make it a territory.
Lin and Don Donn
Lin and Don Donn: American History: Oregon Trail
This site written by teachers provides lesson ideas and links to a number of topics related to the Oregon Trail.
The History Cat
The History Cat: Westward Expansion
Here you can learn about the Oregon Trail, Donner Party, the California Gold Rush, and life as a pioneer through text, images, video, and quotes.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Oregon
This site provides facts on the state of Oregon. Did you know there used to be a volcano in Oregon?
Library of Congress
Loc: Teachers: Journeys West
A series of lessons utilizing primary texts, including narratives, photographs, and maps, through which students explore the following question: "What motivated thousands of people to journey west during the 1800s?"
Curated OER
Bureau of Land Management: Basic Facts About the Oregon Trail
Learn basic facts about the Oregon Trail and the early pioneers who used it in their move West.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: 54 40 or Fight
See how James Polk's plan to claim the Oregon Territory, which had been shared with Great Britain since 1818, led him to victory with the slogan, Fifty-four forty or fight. Read about the settlers who traveled the Oregon Trail and why...
Digital History
Digital History: Life on the Trail
Read what life was like for the pioneers traveling west in wagon trains, especially along the Oregon Trail.