The Westward Expansion
In the years following 1840, some 20,000 pioneers left their homes to journey west. Of these early settlers, most were men who had left their families behind in the east and headed for California in search of gold. They would face a long hard journey across the open prairies, riddled with many dangers. They would travel through harsh weather conditions, hazardous terrain, and illness. Many of these young men would perish from diseases such as cholera and malaria, even more from gunshot wounds, starvation, and a lack of water. Despite all these hazards, the journey west seemed a worthy risk. At the end of this long journey, lay the gold country, California, where gold flowed in streams and men grew rich off little work. This temptation lured many away from their homes back east and out onto the prairies. These young men began writing a new history for their country and families, one that they believed would be filled with mountains of wealth.
However, before any of these pioneers could reach the land of gold, they first had to cross roughly 2,000 miles of land. The most popular way to do this was in a covered wagon, though steamboats and stagecoaches were also used. The journey by wagon train over the prairies was difficult and taxing. Barriers that stood in the way of the Californians, as they were called, were numerous. Food shortages, mountains, rivers, illness, and weather hazards all could stop a wagon train in its tracks for a few days or forever.
Many of the pioneers turned back, having “Seen the elephant” as the saying goes. The “Elephant” refers to an insurmountable obstacle or great barrier, similar to the monstrous size of an elephant.
Those who did not succeed are buried along the trail that spans the country, fallen prey to the hazards along the way. The Oregon-California trail holds many joys, tears, and memories for those who walked it. They are still remembered today as some of the most courageous explorers to ever be called “Californians.”
Many of the pioneers turned back, having “Seen the elephant” as the saying goes. The “Elephant” refers to an insurmountable obstacle or great barrier, similar to the monstrous size of an elephant.
Those who did not succeed are buried along the trail that spans the country, fallen prey to the hazards along the way. The Oregon-California trail holds many joys, tears, and memories for those who walked it. They are still remembered today as some of the most courageous explorers to ever be called “Californians.”