Challenges for migrants

• Migrants had to take enough food and essentials with them to survive. Most lived on salt pork
• Cholera (migrants used the same rivers for drinking water and going to the toilet).
• Oxen (used to pull the wagons) were very slow. The journey took months and time was tight.
• Most wagon trains had at least 20 wagons. It was best to travel in large groups with a range of skilled people – e.g. carpenters, hunters.
• At least 20,000 people are thought to have died along the Trail, many from drowning and accidents.
• It was best not to begin the journey until April, so that there would be grass for their animals to feed on.
• Migrants had to finish the journey before winter. If they got stuck they might freeze to death.
• Most wagon trains had at least 20 wagons. It was best to travel in large groups with a range of skilled people – e.g. carpenters, hunters.
• At least 20,000 people are thought to have died along the Trail, many from drowning and accidents.
• It was best not to begin the journey until April, so that there would be grass for their animals to feed on.