The Oregon Trail was a historic route used by thousands of settlers in the mid-1800s to migrate westward to the Oregon Territory. Stretching over 2,000 miles, it began in Missouri and ended in the Willamette Valley. The trail was crucial for those seeking new opportunities, farmland, and a better life in the West. Traveling the Oregon Trail was challenging due to rough terrain, weather conditions, and limited resources. Pioneers traveled in covered wagons, often facing hardships such as disease and accidents. Despite these difficulties, the trail played a significant role in the westward expansion of the United States.