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 Oregon City. The trail was primarily used from the 1840s to the 1860s, as families sought new opportunities and land. 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 challenges, the trail played a crucial role in the westward expansion of the United States.