It Happened On The Oregon Trail by Tricia Martineau Wagner

It Happened On The Oregon Trail by Tricia Martineau Wagner tells 29 different stories about Oregon Trail pioneers.  These short stories give us a glimpse into the everyday life, adventures, and struggles faced by these new residents of our western frontier.

Some of the people and families you will recognize; like the Applegates, the "Donner Party," Abigail Scott (Duniway) and Ezra Meeker among others.  You'll also read about some of the fun experienced by the teenagers, and you'll realize they're not so different than young people today.

There was also tragedy and death along the trail; like the heartbreaking story of Rebecca Winters who only made it halfway before succumbing to cholera; or the tragic story of a young man standing guard duty who accidentally killed his own father, thinking he was an Indian.

Many of the awe-inspiring sights the pioneers experienced can still be seen today; for example, Craters of the Moon and Thousand Springs in Idaho.

Next time you enjoy an apple grown in Oregon, remember Henderson Luelling and the special "tree wagon" he used to bring his fruit trees to the Willamette Valley all the way from Iowa.

With its short stories, It Happened On The Oregon Trail is a wonderful and easy book to read.  At the back of the book you'll find many references of where to visit the Oregon Trail and from the bibliography, you will find other Oregon Trail reading sources.

Thank you Ezra Meeker for tirelessly working to ensure that the Oregon Trail did not fall into obscurity and become obliterated by modern times (Ezra Meeker first followed the Oregon Trail in 1852, and retraced his steps many times throughout his long life).

It Happened On The Oregon Trail can be purchased now for just $12.95.

or at the Josephine Historical Society's Bookshop located in the Research Library at 512 K Street, Grants Pass; or at their Online Bookshop.