The Oregon Trail Game

https://aaron.kr/content/talks/experience-the-oregon-trail/

The Oregon Trail is probably the best known example of American westward expansion and "manifest destiny." It was largely popularized for a generation of students in the 1970s and 80s on the Apple II computer, and other devices, in the form of a computer game developed by MECC.

The Oregon Trail game is a classic (I grew up with it as well), and arguably the top educational game of all time. It introduced players to the harsh realities of the Oregon Trail in a fun and educational way. Therefore, this section of the PPT partially attempts to recreate the experience of the computer game as a PPT game that can be played in a classroom. It is divided into two sections:

1. Exploring the Oregon Trail computer game + landmarks
2. Oregon Trail PPT game

Transcript

1. OREGON TRAIL
   GAME
   What was life really like in the plains
   & on the Oregon Trail? (California, Mormon)
   1836~ 1846–1869 (RR)
   

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2. OREGON TRAIL
   The Oregon Trail is perhaps the most famous
   educational computer software game ever
   created. Even today, references to the game
   can be found throughout popular culture.
   About the Game
   Lead Designer’s site
   Play the Game! Check out the Oregon Trail Landmarks (next) →
   

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3. OREGON TRAIL (GAME) LANDMARKS
   1. Independence, Missouri (start)
   1985 (18 Landmarks)
   

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4. OREGON TRAIL (GAME) LANDMARKS
   1. Independence, Missouri
   2. Kansas River (102 mi)
   1985 (18 Landmarks)
   

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5. OREGON TRAIL (GAME) LANDMARKS
   1. Independence, Missouri
   2. Kansas River (102 mi)
   3. Big Blue River (82 mi)
   1985 (18 Landmarks)
   

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6. OREGON TRAIL (GAME) LANDMARKS
   1. Independence, Missouri
   2. Kansas River (102 mi)
   3. Big Blue River (82 mi)
   4. Fort Kearney (118 mi)
   1985 (18 Landmarks)
   

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7. OREGON TRAIL (GAME) LANDMARKS
   1. Independence, Missouri
   2. Kansas River (102 mi)
   3. Big Blue River (82 mi)
   4. Fort Kearney (118 mi)
   5. Chimney Rock (250 mi)
   1985 (18 Landmarks)
   

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8. OREGON TRAIL (GAME) LANDMARKS
   1. Independence, Missouri
   2. Kansas River (102 mi)
   3. Big Blue River (82 mi)
   4. Fort Kearney (118 mi)
   5. Chimney Rock (250 mi)
   6. Fort Laramie (86 mi)
   1985 (18 Landmarks)
   

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9. OREGON TRAIL (GAME) LANDMARKS
   1. Independence, Missouri
   2. Kansas River (102 mi)
   3. Big Blue River (82 mi)
   4. Fort Kearney (118 mi)
   5. Chimney Rock (250 mi)
   6. Fort Laramie (86 mi)
   7. Independence Rock (190)
   1985 (18 Landmarks)
   

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10. OREGON TRAIL (GAME) LANDMARKS
    1. Independence, Missouri
    2. Kansas River (102 mi)
    3. Big Blue River (82 mi)
    4. Fort Kearney (118 mi)
    5. Chimney Rock (250 mi)
    6. Fort Laramie (86 mi)
    7. Independence Rock (190)
    8. South Pass!! (102 mi)
    1985 (18 Landmarks)
    

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11. OREGON TRAIL (GAME) LANDMARKS
    1. Independence, Missouri
    2. Kansas River (102 mi)
    3. Big Blue River (82 mi)
    4. Fort Kearney (118 mi)
    5. Chimney Rock (250 mi)
    6. Fort Laramie (86 mi)
    7. Independence Rock (190)
    8. South Pass (102 mi)
    1985 (18 Landmarks)
    9. a) Green River (57 mi)
    

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12. OREGON TRAIL (GAME) LANDMARKS
    1. Independence, Missouri
    2. Kansas River (102 mi)
    3. Big Blue River (82 mi)
    4. Fort Kearney (118 mi)
    5. Chimney Rock (250 mi)
    6. Fort Laramie (86 mi)
    7. Independence Rock (190)
    8. South Pass (102 mi)
    1985 (18 Landmarks)
    9. a) Green River (57 mi)
    10. b) Fort Bridger (125 mi)
    

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13. OREGON TRAIL (GAME) LANDMARKS
    1. Independence, Missouri
    2. Kansas River (102 mi)
    3. Big Blue River (82 mi)
    4. Fort Kearney (118 mi)
    5. Chimney Rock (250 mi)
    6. Fort Laramie (86 mi)
    7. Independence Rock (190)
    8. South Pass (102 mi)
    1985 (18 Landmarks)
    9. a) Green River (57 mi)
    10. b) Fort Bridger (125 mi)
    11. Soda Springs (143, 162 mi)
    

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14. OREGON TRAIL (GAME) LANDMARKS
    1. Independence, Missouri
    2. Kansas River (102 mi)
    3. Big Blue River (82 mi)
    4. Fort Kearney (118 mi)
    5. Chimney Rock (250 mi)
    6. Fort Laramie (86 mi)
    7. Independence Rock (190)
    8. South Pass (102 mi)
    1985 (18 Landmarks)
    9. a) Green River (57 mi)
    10. b) Fort Bridger (125 mi)
    11. Soda Springs (143, 162 mi)
    12. Fort Hall (57 mi)
    

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15. OREGON TRAIL (GAME) LANDMARKS
    1. Independence, Missouri
    2. Kansas River (102 mi)
    3. Big Blue River (82 mi)
    4. Fort Kearney (118 mi)
    5. Chimney Rock (250 mi)
    6. Fort Laramie (86 mi)
    7. Independence Rock (190)
    8. South Pass (102 mi)
    1985 (18 Landmarks)
    9. a) Green River (57 mi)
    10. b) Fort Bridger (125 mi)
    11. Soda Springs (143, 162 mi)
    12. Fort Hall (57 mi)
    13. Snake River (182 mi)
    

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16. OREGON TRAIL (GAME) LANDMARKS
    1. Independence, Missouri
    2. Kansas River (102 mi)
    3. Big Blue River (82 mi)
    4. Fort Kearney (118 mi)
    5. Chimney Rock (250 mi)
    6. Fort Laramie (86 mi)
    7. Independence Rock (190)
    8. South Pass (102 mi)
    1985 (18 Landmarks)
    9. a) Green River (57 mi)
    10. b) Fort Bridger (125 mi)
    11. Soda Springs (143, 162 mi)
    12. Fort Hall (57 mi)
    13. Snake River (182 mi)
    14. Fort Boise (113 mi)
    

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17. OREGON TRAIL (GAME) LANDMARKS
    1. Independence, Missouri
    2. Kansas River (102 mi)
    3. Big Blue River (82 mi)
    4. Fort Kearney (118 mi)
    5. Chimney Rock (250 mi)
    6. Fort Laramie (86 mi)
    7. Independence Rock (190)
    8. South Pass (102 mi)
    1985 (18 Landmarks)
    9. a) Green River (57 mi)
    10. b) Fort Bridger (125 mi)
    11. Soda Springs (143, 162 mi)
    12. Fort Hall (57 mi)
    13. Snake River (182 mi)
    14. Fort Boise (113 mi)
    15. Blue Mountains (160 mi)
    

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18. OREGON TRAIL (GAME) LANDMARKS
    1. Independence, Missouri
    2. Kansas River (102 mi)
    3. Big Blue River (82 mi)
    4. Fort Kearney (118 mi)
    5. Chimney Rock (250 mi)
    6. Fort Laramie (86 mi)
    7. Independence Rock (190)
    8. South Pass (102 mi)
    1985 (18 Landmarks)
    9. a) Green River (57 mi)
    10. b) Fort Bridger (125 mi)
    11. Soda Springs (143, 162 mi)
    12. Fort Hall (57 mi)
    13. Snake River (182 mi)
    14. Fort Boise (113 mi)
    15. Blue Mountains (160 mi)
    16. a) Ft. Walla Walla (55 mi)
    

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19. OREGON TRAIL (GAME) LANDMARKS
    1. Independence, Missouri
    2. Kansas River (102 mi)
    3. Big Blue River (82 mi)
    4. Fort Kearney (118 mi)
    5. Chimney Rock (250 mi)
    6. Fort Laramie (86 mi)
    7. Independence Rock (190)
    8. South Pass (102 mi)
    1985 (18 Landmarks)
    9. a) Green River (57 mi)
    10. b) Fort Bridger (125 mi)
    11. Soda Springs (143, 162 mi)
    12. Fort Hall (57 mi)
    13. Snake River (182 mi)
    14. Fort Boise (113 mi)
    15. Blue Mountains (160 mi)
    16. a) Ft. Walla Walla (55 mi)
    17. The Dalles (125 mi, 120 mi)
    a. Columbia River (5 + 95 mi)
    b. Barlow Road (100 mi)
    

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20. OREGON TRAIL (GAME) LANDMARKS
    1. Independence, Missouri
    2. Kansas River (102 mi)
    3. Big Blue River (82 mi)
    4. Fort Kearney (118 mi)
    5. Chimney Rock (250 mi)
    6. Fort Laramie (86 mi)
    7. Independence Rock (190)
    8. South Pass (102 mi)
    1985 (18 Landmarks)
    9. a) Green River (57 mi)
    10. b) Fort Bridger (125 mi)
    11. Soda Springs (143, 162 mi)
    12. Fort Hall (57 mi)
    13. Snake River (182 mi)
    14. Fort Boise (113 mi)
    15. Blue Mountains (160 mi)
    16. a) Ft. Walla Walla (55 mi)
    17. The Dalles (125 mi, 120 mi)
    a. Columbia River (5 + 95 mi)
    b. Barlow Road (100 mi)
    18. Willamette Valley, OR!!
    

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21. INTERACTIVE GAME +
    REAL LIFE SETTINGS
    OREGON TRAIL
    

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22. PIONEER
    STUDENTS
    In this game, you will be pioneers in 1846
    who want to settle in a new area of land in
    the west known as the Oregon Territory.
    Along the way you will face many
    challenges and hardships. Your journey will
    last roughly 150 days in the wilderness.
    Are you ready?
    Oregon or Bust!
    

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23. BACKGROUND
    You have saved up enough money to travel to the Oregon Country
    and take your entire family with you. You know that one out of
    every ten people die on the Trail, but want to travel it anyway.
    You desire your own land for you and your family.
    Your adventure begins in Independence, Missouri where you have
    bought a wagon capable of hauling over 1 ton of supplies and are
    ready to travel west. Your goal is to reach Oregon alive before the winter
    season begins. Your journey will take roughly 150 days to complete. There are
    many dangers along the way, and you may need to make difficult decisions.
    And remember, if your animals die, you will too. You can’t drag the wagon
    yourself for 2,000 miles.
    

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24. 🧭 🌦
    ⛰
    📦 🤮 🏹
    INDIANS
    2,000 total miles
    15-20 mi/day (3mph)
    ~100 mi between landmarks
    Endless prairies,
    sagebrush desert,
    rugged mountains
    Wagon = 2,000 lb load
    120-200 lb flour, 30 lb crackers,
    25-75 lb bacon (each person)
    Cholera, mtn fever, scurvy,
    smallpox, measles,
    mumps, flu, dysentery
    DISTANCE TERRAIN
    SUPPLIES DISEASE
    WEATHER
    Thunderstorms,
    hail, snow, wind,
    scorching heat
    Pawnee, Cheyenne, Arapaho,
    Sioux, Shoshone, Crow, Nez
    Perce, Ute, Spokane, Cayuse,
    Chinook, Umpqua
    CHALLENGES
    

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25. View Slide

26. YOUR STORY
    1
    Origin: Ohio
    Strength: Well-rounded
    2
    Origin: Illinois
    Strength: More points
    Origin: Boston
    Strength: More money
    3
    BANKER
    CARPENTER
    FARMER
    Many kinds of people made the trip to Oregon. Who will you be?
    

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27. YOUR STORY
    1
    Your job is satisfying, but you want to expand
    your skills and client base out west.
    Plus $200, 2x final points
    2
    Farming is your life, but 160 acres of your own,
    uncultivated land to work with is your dream.
    Plus $100, 3x final points
    Although you have a good job, you’re hoping to
    strike it rich with your own land in Oregon.
    Plus $300
    3
    BANKER
    CARPENTER
    FARMER
    Many kinds of people made the trip to Oregon. Who will you be?
    

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28. STARTING OUT
    1
    Season: Late spring
    Weather: warm
    2
    Season: Mid-summer
    Weather: hot
    Season: Early spring
    Weather: cold
    3
    MARCH
    MAY
    JULY
    Now you need to decide when to leave for Oregon. Which month seems best?
    

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29. STARTING OUT
    1
    If you leave at just the right time, there will be
    green grass, and the weather will be cool. Plus
    5 points
    2
    If you leave too late, you may not get to
    Oregon before winter comes.
    Plus 1 point
    If you leave too early, there won’t be any grass
    for your wagon team to eat.
    Minus 2 points
    3
    MARCH
    MAY
    JULY
    Now you need to decide when to leave for Oregon. Which month seems best?
    

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30. INDEPENDENCE, MO
    Purchase supplies & prepare
    

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31. PURCHASE: TRAVEL POWER
    1
    Speed: Slow
    Strength: Strong
    2
    Speed: Medium
    Strength: Medium-low
    Speed: Fast
    Strength: Medium
    3
    HORSES, $30
    OXEN, $50
    MULES, $20
    First things first. You need an animal to pull your wagon. Which do you choose?
    

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32. PURCHASE: TRAVEL POWER
    1
    Although slow, it turns out these are the least
    expensive and will survive under almost any
    condition. Plus 5 points
    2
    Faster than oxen but often stubborn. You lose
    time trying to get them to move.
    Plus 3 points
    Although fast they would most likely die of
    starvation – unless you gave them your food!
    Minus 5 points
    3
    HORSES
    OXEN
    MULES
    First things first. You need an animal to pull your wagon. Which do you choose?
    

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33. PURCHASE: SUPPLIES
    1
    Each family member
    requires 1-2 changes.
    2
    Your wagon may break
    wheels, axles, tongue.
    Each family member
    requires 100-200 lbs.
    3
    FOOD / AMMO
    CLOTHING
    SPARE PARTS
    Although you will purchase a little of all of these supplies, which of these would you prioritize?
    

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34. PURCHASE: SUPPLIES
    1
    If you encounter cold weather or snow, you’ll
    need thicker clothes for everyone so you don’t
    freeze. Plus 3 points
    2
    If your wagon breaks and have no spare parts,
    you have to wait for another wagon to come
    that might be willing to trade. Plus 4 points
    If you purchase too much, your wagon will have
    trouble moving. Not enough, you’ll starve. But
    you can always hunt for more. Plus 5 points
    3
    FOOD / AMMO
    CLOTHING
    SPARE PARTS
    Although you will purchase a little of all of these supplies, which of these would you prioritize?
    

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35. TOUGH DECISION: LIMITED ROOM
    1
    Usefulness: 9
    Resellability: 5
    2
    Usefulness: 3
    Resellability: 2
    Usefulness: 4
    Resellability: 8
    3
    COFFEE
    FRYING PAN
    BIBLE
    You realize you have too much stuff. Of the three choices, which would you leave behind?
    

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36. TOUGH DECISION: LIMITED ROOM
    1
    You need this for cooking unless you want to
    put all of your food on a stick to cook it.
    Plus 2 points
    2
    Many travelers decided not to travel on Sunday.
    Instead, they held worship services and rested.
    Other travelers may call you a heathen and
    throw things at you. Plus 1 point
    Coffee isn’t necessary but was a good
    bargaining item. People would trade coffee for
    other foods or services. Plus 4 points
    3
    COFFEE
    FRYING PAN
    BIBLE
    You realize you have too much stuff. Of the three choices, which would you leave behind?
    

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37. HELP WANTED: GUIDE
    1
    But will you spend all
    your money before?
    2
    Keep your money,
    trust your wits.
    But you still need food,
    clothes, hunting gear…
    3
    $45? OK!
    $25 NOW…
    “NO THANKS”
    A mountain man who has traveled the Oregon Trail before has offered to be your travel guide for $45.
    

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38. HELP WANTED: GUIDE
    1
    Same as “Choice 1” but he’ll travel the entire
    trail to get all of his money. Plus 5 points
    2
    Being from the east coast you are what many
    would call a “city slicker” and your lack of
    knowledge will slow you down. Minus 2 points
    With his expertise and knowledge you will
    travel quicker and safer. But he’ll leave with the
    money half way through… Plus 2 points
    3
    $45? OK!
    $25 NOW…
    “NO THANKS”
    A mountain man who has traveled the Oregon Trail before has offered to be your travel guide for $45.
    

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39. INDEPENDENCE, MO
    Go!! Next: Kansas River (102 mi) →
    

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40. LET’S GO!
    OREGON TRAIL
    

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41. KANSAS RIVER
    Next: Big Blue River (82 mi) →
    

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42. RIVER CROSSING
    1
    Wade = cross on foot.
    Caulk = float your wagon.
    2
    Move along the riverside &
    look for a better spot.
    There are 3 rivers left. How
    much money do you have?
    3
    $10 FERRY
    WADE / CAULK
    LOOK AROUND
    The river is 200 yards wide with often rapid and deep currents. – what will you do?
    

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43. RIVER CROSSING
    1
    One of your children falls off the wagon and is
    swept away by the current and drowns.
    Minus 5 points
    2
    You eventually find an easier crossing path, but
    lost a couple of days travel time. However,
    nobody died. Plus 2 points
    You reach the other side safely but have less
    money now.
    Plus 5 points
    3
    $10 FERRY
    WADE / CAULK
    LOOK AROUND
    The river is 200 yards wide with often rapid and deep currents. – what will you do?
    

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44. BIG BLUE RIVER
    Next: Fort Kearny (118 mi) →
    

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45. SHALLOW RIVER CROSSING
    1
    Attempt to wade across a
    shallow part of the river.
    2
    Send someone across with
    a rope to help guide you.
    There are 2 rivers left. How
    much money do you have?
    3
    $10 FERRY
    FORD IT
    GUIDE ROPE
    The water here is not as deep as the first river. You think crossing will be easier. What do you do?
    

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46. SHALLOW RIVER CROSSING
    1
    Quicksand! There are sinkholes you couldn’t see.
    One of the women in your group gets sucked
    down by her long dress. Minus 4 points
    2
    The strongest swimmer crosses with a rope,
    attaches it to a tree, and you use it to guide
    the wagon across. Plus 3 points
    You reach the other side safely but have less
    money now.
    Plus 5 points
    3
    $10 FERRY
    FORD IT
    GUIDE ROPE
    The water here is not as deep as the first river. You think crossing will be easier. What do you do?
    

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47. FORT KEARNEY
    Next: Chimney Rock (250 mi) →
    

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48. BAD WEATHER: RAIN
    1
    Not everyone can fit in the
    wagon, so some go under.
    2
    It’s cramped for hours, but
    in the wagon is safer.
    It’s dark, but seek shelter
    under an overhang.
    3
    NAT. SHELTER
    UNDER WAGON
    SQUEEZE
    Just outside Ft. Kearney, a massive thunderstorm approaches in the night. What do you do?
    

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49. BAD WEATHER: RAIN
    1
    Oh no! The rain caused thick mud to form and
    the weight of the wagon made it sink into the
    mud, crushing two people. Minus 5 points
    2
    No one can sleep, but no one got hurt. Lightning
    struck in the distance and you watched a small
    prairie fire for a while. Plus 3 points
    It’s too dark to see, and you don’t have long.
    It’s difficult to get your team to move from
    sleep and you get soaked. Minus 3 points
    3
    NAT. SHELTER
    UNDER WAGON
    SQUEEZE
    Just outside Ft. Kearney, a massive thunderstorm approaches in the night. What do you do?
    

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50. CHIMNEY ROCK
    Next: Fort Laramie (86 mi) →
    

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51. CAMPING OUT
    1
    We can go without a fire
    tonight.
    2
    Burn some planks from the
    wagon & extra clothes.
    Use hardened bison
    droppings for fuel.
    3
    BUFFALO CHIPS
    NO FIRE
    WHAT’VE WE GOT?
    When you stop for the night, there is no wood to burn. What do you do?
    

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52. CAMPING OUT
    1
    Though nobody died from lack of fire, your
    grandmother caught pneumonia from the cold
    and is hacking everywhere. Minus 3 points
    2
    Bad idea. Your wagon is now damaged & your
    wife is really mad at you.
    Minus 5 points
    Surprise! People actually did this on the Oregon
    trail. It burned well and did not make a bad
    smell. Who knew? Plus 5 points
    3
    BUFFALO CHIPS
    NO FIRE
    WHAT’VE WE GOT?
    When you stop for the night, there is no wood to burn. What do you do?
    

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53. FORT LARAMIE
    Next: Independence Rock (190 mi) →
    

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54. RESTOCK POINT
    1
    Maybe you can trade some
    unused or heavy goods.
    2
    Last chance to get treatment
    before the mountains.
    You’re running low on
    basic necessities.
    3
    BUY FOOD
    TRADE
    MEDICAL ATTN
    Ft. Laramie was the last outpost for the US Army and a good restocking point. What do you do?
    

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55. RESTOCK POINT
    1
    Good idea. There are lots of folk who want to
    trade. Just be sure you don’t trade something
    you might need later. Plus 3 points
    2
    Unfortunately, there often wasn’t much army
    doctors could do for seriou diseases.
    Plus 1 point
    Wow! It’s ridiculously overpriced! A 500%
    markup! But, a family’s got to eat.
    Minus 2 points
    3
    BUY FOOD
    TRADE
    MEDICAL ATTN
    Ft. Laramie was the last outpost for the US Army and a good restocking point. What do you do?
    

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56. INDEPENDENCE ROCK
    Next: South Pass (102 mi) →
    

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57. INDEPENDENCE DAY
    1
    Celebrate America’s
    independence from Britain.
    2
    Celebrate and rest for a
    longer period of time.
    Let’s get to Oregon sooner
    than everyone else!
    3
    KEEP GOING!
    STOP 2-3 DAYS
    STOP 1 WEEK
    It's July 4 and many travelers have stopped at a huge rock that looks like a whale. What do you do?
    

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58. INDEPENDENCE DAY
    1
    The family is happy after patriotic singing,
    dancing, and picnic lunches. Bonus -- you did
    not stay too long! Plus 5 points
    2
    It was fun, but you stayed a too long. Your
    brother became drunk and got in a fight. He is
    beat up and cannot help.Minus 3 points
    Your entire family becomes mad at you and
    forces you to turn around. You lose a lot of time
    having to backtrack. Minus 2 points
    3
    KEEP GOING!
    STOP 2-3 DAYS
    STOP 1 WEEK
    It's July 4 and many travelers have stopped at a huge rock that looks like a whale. What do you do?
    

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59. SOUTH PASS
    Green R. (57 mi) • Ft. Bridger (125 mi)
    

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60. DISEASE
    1
    You don’t want anyone
    else to get sick…
    2
    Let him rest and recover.
    Or die…
    You may be able to help
    him at Ft. Bridger.
    3
    DETOUR
    LEAVE HIM
    REST & WAIT
    As you cross the Continental Divide, your brother-in-law is ill with Cholera. What do you do?
    

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61. ← Green River (57 mi)
    Ft. Bridger (125 mi) →
    DISEASE
    1
    Sadly, this is the best option. Nobody else gets
    sick and you don’t lose any time. He probably
    didn’t suffer for long… Plus 5 points
    2
    He died the next day but as you waited looters
    robbed your campsite at night and stole food
    and supplies. Minus 2 points
    There is no cure for Cholera! He not only dies
    but two of your cousins get sick and die too.
    Minus 5 points
    3
    DETOUR
    LEAVE HIM
    REST & WAIT
    As you cross the Continental Divide, your brother-in-law is ill with Cholera. What do you do?
    

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62. GREEN RIVER
    Next: Soda Springs (143 mi) →
    

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63. INDIAN ATTACK!
    1
    Grab your guns, mount
    your horses. It’s on!
    2
    There’s strength in numbers
    & shelter in the center.
    Send one person with a
    white flag of surrender.
    3
    MAKE PEACE
    FIGHT BACK!
    CIRCLE THE WAGONS
    You camp near the river because it is a lush area. But in the evening, Indians attack. What do you do?
    

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64. INDIAN ATTACK!
    1
    You successfully killed six natives before they
    left. However, it came at a cost – your oldest
    son and brother died. Minus 3 points
    2
    You protected yourself, but the natives set one
    of your wagons on fire. One person died before
    the natives left. Minus 2 points
    Your Grandfather was immediately killed with a
    tomahawk trying to make peace. Unprepared for
    battle, 5 others die. Minus 5 points
    3
    MAKE PEACE
    FIGHT BACK!
    CIRCLE THE WAGONS
    You camp near the river because it is a lush area. But in the evening, Indians attack. What do you do?
    

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65. FORT BRIDGER
    Next: Soda Springs (162 mi) →
    

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66. INDIANS!
    1
    All Indians are “savages”!
    Kill or be killed.
    2
    Retreat back to Ft. Bridger.
    Maybe they’ll leave soon.
    They don’t seem hostile.
    Maybe they want to trade.
    3
    TRADE
    FIGHT!
    RUN!
    As you leave Ft. Bridger, a group of Indians approaches slowly. What do you do?
    

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67. INDIANS!
    1
    The Indians were not threatening but as soon as
    you shot at them, they shot back. Two more
    party members died. Minus 5 points
    2
    The residents at Ft. Bridger laugh at your
    cowardice. These natives are friendly and just
    want to trade. Minus 2 points
    The Indians offer to trade 100 lbs of food for 3
    guns, bullets, and your thick blanket.
    Plus 3 points
    3
    TRADE
    FIGHT!
    RUN!
    As you leave Ft. Bridger, a group of Indians approaches slowly. What do you do?
    

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68. SODA SPRINGS
    Next: Fort Hall (57 mi) →
    

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69. GREAT BASIN DESERT
    1
    More water for the
    children, less for others.
    2
    More water for the strong
    who walk and work most.
    Less water for the people,
    more for the animals.
    3
    FOR ANIMALS
    FOR KIDS
    FOR MEN
    This is one of the driest places on Earth. Heat and lack of water are deadly. How will you ration it?
    

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70. GREAT BASIN DESERT
    1
    Children are weaker, but do the least work. Your
    whole team suffers from heat exhaustion and
    your pace slows dangerously. Minus 5 points
    2
    The animals need water the most - without
    them you’d die. One of the animals gets bitten
    by a rattlesnake and dies. Minus 3 points
    The animals carry on, but people get weaker.
    One of the children falls off the wagon in
    exhaustion and is crushed. Minus 2 points
    3
    FOR ANIMALS
    FOR KIDS
    FOR MEN
    This is one of the driest places on Earth. Heat and lack of water are deadly. How will you ration it?
    

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71. FORT HALL
    Next: Snake River (182 mi) →
    

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72. STOCK UP ON SUPPLIES
    1
    There’s almost 1,000 lbs
    of meat on each one!
    2
    You can’t go wrong with
    meat and veggies.
    It should be enough to
    last you another week.
    3
    $10 FOR FOOD
    HUNT BISON
    BOTH!
    Not the nicest fort, but it sells fresh vegetables, and there are bison nearby. What do you do?
    

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73. STOCK UP ON SUPPLIES
    1
    You now have plenty of food but can only eat it
    that night. Otherwise, the meat would go bad
    and you’d get sick. Plus 3 points
    2
    This seems very smart, but it takes too long to
    do both, and it turns out you don’t have enough
    room to carry everything! Plus 1 point
    You now have enough food for a week until you
    reach another outpost or hunting ground.
    Plus 5 points
    3
    $10 FOR FOOD
    HUNT BISON
    BOTH!
    Not the nicest fort, but it sells fresh vegetables, and there are bison nearby. What do you do?
    

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74. SNAKE RIVER
    Next: Ft. Boise (113 mi) →
    

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75. FIND FRESH BERRIES
    1
    Slow down for the kids to get
    some berries. Don’t stop.
    2
    Spend several days picking
    fruit & resting.
    Forget the berries and
    keep going. Not there yet.
    3
    KEEP MOVING
    SEND KIDS
    REST AWHILE
    As you get closer, you come across a lush valley with berries everywhere. What do you do?
    

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76. FIND FRESH BERRIES
    1
    The children did not know poisoned berries from
    healthy ones. Now, many of your family are
    sick, and your great aunt dies! Minus 3 points
    2
    The berries and rest were enjoyable but you lost
    time and were caught in a storm with no
    protection in the valley. Plus 1 point
    Not needing any berries you didn’t need to
    waste any time. Plus 5 points
    3
    KEEP MOVING
    SEND KIDS
    REST AWHILE
    As you get closer, you come across a lush valley with berries everywhere. What do you do?
    

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77. FORT BOISE
    Next: Blue Mtns (160 mi) →
    

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78. BAD WEATHER: SNOW
    1
    Stop the wagons and take
    shelter in the mountains.
    2
    Return to Ft. Boise to wait
    out the storm.
    It’s too early for snow!
    Keep moving!
    3
    PUSH ON
    WAIT
    TURN BACK
    It’s getting late in the season, and an early snowfall hits the mountains. What do you do?
    

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79. BAD WEATHER: SNOW
    1
    Snowfall where you wait isn’t too heavy. You’re
    able to wait out the storm. The next day, most
    of it melts and you continue on. Minus 1 point
    2
    Turning back took an extra two days of travel.
    Now it is later in the season, and snow will be
    more frequent. Minus 3 points
    The snow only gets worse as you push on. Soon,
    the wagon won’t move at all. You’re stuck and
    may all freeze to death. Minus 5 points
    3
    PUSH ON
    WAIT
    TURN BACK
    It’s getting late in the season, and an early snowfall hits the mountains. What do you do?
    

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80. BLUE MTNS
    Ft. WW (55 mi) • The Dalles (125 mi)
    

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81. STEEP DOWNHILL
    1
    Avoid the slope, travel
    around the valley.
    2
    Tie up the oxen. Use rope
    to lower your wagon.
    Hold on tight! The oxen
    can catch up.
    3
    RIDE DOWN!
    GO AROUND
    LOWER IT
    The Blue Mountains had steep slopes and thick forests. What will you do at the first valley slope?
    

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82. STEEP DOWNHILL
    1
    The safe way keeps everyone alive, but you lose
    two weeks time traveling the long way around
    the valley. Minus 2 points
    2
    This took a lot of work, but was the best
    approach to traveling down this valley.
    Plus 5 points
    Are you kidding? You would all probably die!
    But for the sake of the game, we’ll say you’re
    all just badly hurt. Minus 5 points
    3
    RIDE DOWN!
    GO AROUND
    LOWER IT
    The Blue Mountains had steep slopes and thick forests. What will you do at the first valley slope?
    ← Ft. Walla Walla (55 mi)
    The Dalles (125 mi) →
    

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83. FORT WALLA WALLA
    Next: The Dalles (120 mi) →
    

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84. BROKEN WAGON WHEEL
    1
    Wait for another coming
    wagon train & try to trade.
    2
    Send 1-2 members of your
    team back to buy one.
    Cut down a tree and do
    your best to fix it yourself.
    3
    REPAIR
    WAIT & TRADE
    BACK & BUY
    Two days journey out of Ft. Walla Walla, your wagon breaks a wheel and you don’t have a spare.
    

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85. BROKEN WAGON WHEEL
    1
    You waited three days for someone willing to
    trade, but now you’ve fixed the wheel and are
    moving on - minus 50 lbs food. Plus 2 points
    2
    You’re lucky you’re so close to the end. Going
    back to buy the wheel cost four days and $10.
    Plus 3 points
    Your repair worked! For two more days. But now
    the wheel is broken again and you’re farther
    from help. Minus 5 points
    3
    REPAIR
    WAIT & TRADE
    BACK & BUY
    Two days journey out of Ft. Walla Walla, your wagon breaks a wheel and you don’t have a spare.
    

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86. THE DALLES
    1st: 1865-72, 2nd: 1915-44, 3rd: 1950~
    

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87. Raft down the Columbia River
    for $10.
    RAFTING
    Take the Barlow Toll Road
    in the valley for $5.
    TOLL ROAD
    RAFTING OR TOLL ROAD
    1
    2
    Sneak onto the toll road at
    night without paying…
    3 STEALTH
    Final decision point. Pay $5 for the toll road through the valley $10 to raft down the Columbia River.
    

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88. The road turns out to be dangerous and plunges
    down cliffs. You slow your wagon with rope
    around trees to guide it down. Plus 3 points
    TOLL ROAD
    This turns out to be a quick route but one of
    your daughters is bitten by a poisonous water
    snake and soon dies. Plus 2 points
    RAFTING
    RAFTING OR TOLL ROAD
    1
    2
    Not a good idea. The toll collectors catch you
    and attempt to hang you. You survive by paying
    double and leaving an oxen. Minus 5 points
    3 STEALTH
    Final decision point. Pay $5 for the toll road through the valley $10 to raft down the Columbia River.
    ← Rafting (5 + 95 mi)
    Toll Road (100 mi) →
    

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89. COLUMBIA RIVER
    Rafting: Next: Willamette Valley →
    

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90. BARLOW ROAD
    Toll: Next: Willamette Valley →
    

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91. WILLAMETTE VALLEY
    1st: 1865-72, 2nd: 1915-44, 3rd: 1950~
    

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92. OREGON! OR BUST
    1
    Build a house and farm or try
    to start a business.
    2
    Travel back east and work
    as a guide on the Trail.
    Continue traveling south
    to California.
    3
    SOUTH TO CA
    BUILD A LIFE
    BE A GUIDE
    You reached your destination in the Oregon Territory and it's as beautiful as you‘ve heard! What next?
    

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93. OREGON! OR BUST
    1
    Good idea! That’s what most people did.
    Plus 5 points
    2
    Few chose this since they increased their
    chances of dying by traveling back and forth.
    Plus 1 point
    Unfortunately California is still ruled by Spain.
    Angry Spaniards chase you off their land back to
    Oregon Territory. Minus 5 points
    3
    SOUTH TO CA
    BUILD A LIFE
    BE A GUIDE
    You reached your destination in the Oregon Territory and it's as beautiful as you‘ve heard! What next?
    

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94. THE END
    OREGON TRAIL
    

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