65 F/ 18 C

A look into the
past, a time of challenge and
hardship for people

~carliewired

We have stayed on in Baker City to visit the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center just 6 miles northeast of Baker City. The 23,000 sq. ft. center sits atop Flagstaff Hill on a 500 acre site. The original ruts of the pioneer wagons can be seen here. 

The center's displays and presentations demonstrate the hardships and adventures of this period of American history when wagon trains moved approximately 300,000 people to shape the American west. 

From the 1840s through the 1880s, thousands travelled the Oregon Trail some 2000 miles between Missouri and Oregon. They loaded up their meagre belongings and supplies into a covered wagon for the four to six months on the trail. They crossed prairie, desert and mountains. They forded streams and rivers while minding stock and transporting their children. They learned to trade with the indigenous people along the way. It was a test of survival for many. One in ten died on this momentous journey. 

The weather has changed today. We might expect to see rain tomorrow as we move into Washington state.