Mapping the Journey
Materials: Copy of page 39, colored markers
Pioneers could choose from several different trails for their journey west, depending on where they wanted to settle. With this activity, you will use your mapping skills you trace the different routes the pioneers took more than 150 years ago.
CREATING THE MAP
· Take one copy of the map template on page 39 to.
· Research the four major trails used by the pioneers. You will trace the routes using a different color for each trail and filling in the key with the appropriate color. You will also keep a written journal of the places you travel to (you may choose one of the trails) as if you were a part of a pioneer family heading west.
Tracing the Oregon Trail--
· The jumping-off point for the Oregon Trail started at Independence, Missouri. You should place their markers on the dot representing Independence and trace the trail as you describe its path.
· From Independence, the pioneers headed to Fort Kearny. They then traveled along the North Platte River, passing Chimney Rock, and resting at Fort Laramie. They continued along the river, passing Independence Rock, and heading through the South Pass toward Fort Bridger.
· From Fort Bridger, they headed north to Fort Hall and traveled along the Snake River to Fort Boise. Their journey almost complete, they headed north to Fort Walla Walla and across the Cascade Range to Portland in the Oregon Territory.
Tracing the California Trail--
· Using a different colored marker, trace the California Trail, which branched off from the Oregon Trail shortly after the stop at Fort Hall. It meandered over to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, through the Donner Pass, and ended at Sutter’s Fort (which is present-day Sacramento).
Tracing the Santa Fe Trail--
· The Santa Fe Trail also began at Independence, Missouri. From there, the pioneers traveled to Fort Dodge, continued on along the Arkansas River to Bent’s Fort, ending their journey in Santa Fe.
Tracing the Old Spanish Trail--
· The Old Spanish Trail was a continuation of the Santa Fe Trail, with its jumping-off point at Santa Fe. From here, pioneers continued in a northwest direction. Once they crossed the Colorado River they turned southwest, crossed the Mojave Desert and Sierra Madre Mountains, and headed to Los Angeles.
· After they have traced all four trails, fill in the map key with the color that corresponds to each trail. Keep their maps handy so you can use them for the next activity.
Materials: Copy of page 39, colored markers
Pioneers could choose from several different trails for their journey west, depending on where they wanted to settle. With this activity, you will use your mapping skills you trace the different routes the pioneers took more than 150 years ago.
CREATING THE MAP
· Take one copy of the map template on page 39 to.
· Research the four major trails used by the pioneers. You will trace the routes using a different color for each trail and filling in the key with the appropriate color. You will also keep a written journal of the places you travel to (you may choose one of the trails) as if you were a part of a pioneer family heading west.
Tracing the Oregon Trail--
· The jumping-off point for the Oregon Trail started at Independence, Missouri. You should place their markers on the dot representing Independence and trace the trail as you describe its path.
· From Independence, the pioneers headed to Fort Kearny. They then traveled along the North Platte River, passing Chimney Rock, and resting at Fort Laramie. They continued along the river, passing Independence Rock, and heading through the South Pass toward Fort Bridger.
· From Fort Bridger, they headed north to Fort Hall and traveled along the Snake River to Fort Boise. Their journey almost complete, they headed north to Fort Walla Walla and across the Cascade Range to Portland in the Oregon Territory.
Tracing the California Trail--
· Using a different colored marker, trace the California Trail, which branched off from the Oregon Trail shortly after the stop at Fort Hall. It meandered over to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, through the Donner Pass, and ended at Sutter’s Fort (which is present-day Sacramento).
Tracing the Santa Fe Trail--
· The Santa Fe Trail also began at Independence, Missouri. From there, the pioneers traveled to Fort Dodge, continued on along the Arkansas River to Bent’s Fort, ending their journey in Santa Fe.
Tracing the Old Spanish Trail--
· The Old Spanish Trail was a continuation of the Santa Fe Trail, with its jumping-off point at Santa Fe. From here, pioneers continued in a northwest direction. Once they crossed the Colorado River they turned southwest, crossed the Mojave Desert and Sierra Madre Mountains, and headed to Los Angeles.
· After they have traced all four trails, fill in the map key with the color that corresponds to each trail. Keep their maps handy so you can use them for the next activity.