Library - Westward Movement

Primary Sources | Secondary Sources

Primary Sources

Women on the Oregon Trail	Includes numerous original source quotes from wromen traveling the trail.
HASTINGS Emigrant Guide	This is the web sit for the Lansford W. Hastings' Emigrants' Guide to Oregon and California. This is the guide used by many pioneers including the Donner Party.
Black Pioneers of Oregon	You will find biographical sketches and photos of many African American pioneers.
Heritage Gateway - Pioneer Journals	This site includes journals from those pioneers who traveled west. It is sponsored in part by the Utah State Office of Education.
Emigrant Diaries and Journals	A site with many original pioneer diaries. Also includes deciphering old handwriting and how to speak 19th century English.

Secondary Sources

Trails West: Across the Plains	A set of links to all the major trails.
Introduction to the Oregon Trail	A brief introduction to the Oregon Trail including statistics and history of some famous pioneers. Requires Quick Time plug in.
Early Emigrants to Oregon	Descriptions of the earliest travelers along the Trail.
Prairie Schooners	This site has a diagram of a Conestoga wagon and a description of how they work, their history, and miscellaneous facts. It also includes a picture of a girl standing next to a yoke of oxen for size comparison.
Covered Wagons	This web site has drawings of three different types of wagons used on the Oregon Trail. It also has original sources on what to pack for the journey.
Power on the Oregon Trail	Should you buy horese, mules, or oxen for pulling your wagon west? Quick Time is necessary.
Oregon Trail Timeline	A time line of major events on the Oregon Trail from 1841-1866.
Timeline of Black History in Oregon	A timeline showing involved African Americans in the Pacific Nortwest from 1788-1959. Includes Westward Movement information.
Oregon Trail FAQ	101 frequently asked questions about the Oregon Trail. Includes an advertisement replecation with miles listed for various destinations.