PBS
Pbs: Archives of the West: Across the Plains in 1844
A memoir by Catherine Sager Pringle, one of the orphans who was taken in by Marcus and Narcissa Whitman. Find out about the journey on the Oregon Trail and the Whitman Massacre.
Library of Congress
Loc: Nation Expansion and Reform: Traveling on the Overland Trails, 1843 1860
Primary source information about traveling the Overland Trails, both to Oregon Country and California.
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.
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.
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.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is approximately 4,900 miles long, extending from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the mouth of the Columbia River, near present day Astoria, Oregon. It connects 16 states. Today, visitors can follow...
Curated OER
Etc: Oregon Trail and Other Routes, 1832 1842
A map of western North America between the opening of the Oregon Trail in 1832 to 1842, prior to the establishment of the Provisional Government of Oregon by American settlers in 1843. The map shows the boundary of the Oregon Country,...
Curated OER
Wikipedia: National Historic Landmarks in Wyoming: Oregon Trail Ruts
One half mile long section of Oregon Trail, worn 2-6 feet into sandstone ridge.
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...
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.
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.
Other
Recipes on the Oregon Trail
With information gathered from a wide variety of primary resources, this site offers not only recipes that pioneers and homesteaders used, but also tips on packing a wagon for a cross-country trip, and other words of advice for wagon...
Other
Emigrant Wagons Roll Westward
This resource is an excerpt from the memoirs of David Arthur of his traveling to Oregon by wagon train with his parents. It was originally published in an Oregon newspaper in 1889.
New York Times
New York Times: The Voter Suppression Trail
[Free Registration/Login Required] Great learning "game" to help people understand the difficulties many people face when they want to vote in the United States. Based on the infamous Oregon Trail video game, see if your selected person...
Ducksters
Ducksters: Oregon State History for Kids
Study the history and timeline of the state of Oregon including early explorers, Native Americans, Lewis and Clark, the Oregon Trail, and becoming a state on this site.
National Women’s History Museum
National Women's History Museum: Marie Dorion
A biographic view of the life of Marie Dorion. As a young Native American woman, she led white men to the Oregon Territory. She was only 24 years old and was pregnant at the time. Her actions made her a symbol of bravery and endurance!
Curated OER
Etc: Santa Fe and Oregon Trails to the Pacific Coast, 1840 1850
A map of the western United States in 1840-1850 showing the Oregon Trail and Santa Fe, the two principal overland routes from Independence, Missouri, to the western territories and the Pacific. The map shows the territory boundaries,...
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.
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.
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Maps Etc: Oregon Controversy, 1792 1846
A map of the Oregon Territory between the time of exploration by George Vancouver (1792) and the Oregon Treaty of 1846. The map is color-coded to show the disputed claims of the British and United States, the Russian American line of...
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Maps Etc: Oregon Controversy, 1792 1846
A map of the Oregon Territory between the time of exploration by George Vancouver (1792) and the Oregon Treaty of 1846. The map is color-coded to show the disputed claims of the British and United States, the Russian American line of...