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)
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) →
3. OREGON TRAIL (GAME) LANDMARKS 1. Independence, Missouri (start) 1985 (18 Landmarks)
4. OREGON TRAIL (GAME) LANDMARKS 1. Independence, Missouri 2. Kansas River (102 mi) 1985 (18 Landmarks)
5. OREGON TRAIL (GAME) LANDMARKS 1. Independence, Missouri 2. Kansas River (102 mi) 3. Big Blue River (82 mi) 1985 (18 Landmarks)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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!!
21. INTERACTIVE GAME + REAL LIFE SETTINGS OREGON TRAIL
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!
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.
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
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?
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?
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?
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?
30. INDEPENDENCE, MO Purchase supplies & prepare
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
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.
39. INDEPENDENCE, MO Go!! Next: Kansas River (102 mi) →
40. LET’S GO! OREGON TRAIL
41. KANSAS RIVER Next: Big Blue River (82 mi) →
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?
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?
44. BIG BLUE RIVER Next: Fort Kearny (118 mi) →
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?
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?
47. FORT KEARNEY Next: Chimney Rock (250 mi) →
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?
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?
50. CHIMNEY ROCK Next: Fort Laramie (86 mi) →
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?
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?
53. FORT LARAMIE Next: Independence Rock (190 mi) →
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?
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?
56. INDEPENDENCE ROCK Next: South Pass (102 mi) →
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?
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?
59. SOUTH PASS Green R. (57 mi) • Ft. Bridger (125 mi)
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?
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?
62. GREEN RIVER Next: Soda Springs (143 mi) →
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?
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?
65. FORT BRIDGER Next: Soda Springs (162 mi) →
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?
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?
68. SODA SPRINGS Next: Fort Hall (57 mi) →
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?
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?
71. FORT HALL Next: Snake River (182 mi) →
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?
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?
74. SNAKE RIVER Next: Ft. Boise (113 mi) →
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?
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?
77. FORT BOISE Next: Blue Mtns (160 mi) →
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?
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?
80. BLUE MTNS Ft. WW (55 mi) • The Dalles (125 mi)
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?
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) →
83. FORT WALLA WALLA Next: The Dalles (120 mi) →
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.
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.
86. THE DALLES 1st: 1865-72, 2nd: 1915-44, 3rd: 1950~
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.
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) →
89. COLUMBIA RIVER Rafting: Next: Willamette Valley →
90. BARLOW ROAD Toll: Next: Willamette Valley →
91. WILLAMETTE VALLEY 1st: 1865-72, 2nd: 1915-44, 3rd: 1950~
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?
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?
94. THE END OREGON TRAIL