why go? panic of 1837- huge depression leaves farmers broke free land- up to a square mile fertile...
Post on 12-Jan-2016
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Why Go?• Panic of 1837- Huge depression leaves
farmers broke
• Free land- Up to a square mile
• Fertile soil, nicer weather, fewer diseases and insects (especially mosquitoes)
When to Leave?
• Must leave in early May. Usually took 5 months (May – Sept.)
• Grass needs time to grow in the Great Plains- food for animals
• Need to beat winter in the Rockies
Who Went?• Missionaries and mountain men (fur
trappers) go first• Farmers follow• Merchants and speculators come last
Facts• 2000 miles long• Death Rate= 10%
(disease and accidents)• People walked; wagons
for supplies only• Usually took 5 months,
May – September• Indians generally helpful-
they wanted trade• Most used the SOUTH
PASS and were escorted by mountain men
-Like Jedediah Smith and Jim Bridger
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