Many movies, books and other media over the years have romanticized the stories of the pioneers and immigrants who arrived in the US West region via the "Oregon Trail".
Not so many show the hardships encountered along the way.
According to Wikipedia ... "Settlers often had to cross flooded rivers. Indians sometimes attacked the wagon trains. Cholera, smallpox, and firearms accidents were the chief causes of death on the trail (it is estimated that between 1835 and 1855 nearly 10,000 people lost their lives along the Trail). Food, water, and wood were always scarce, and the travelers often encountered contaminated water holes. During summer, the trail was crowded with wagon trains, army units, missionaries, hunting parties, traders, and even sightseeing tours. Some travelers complained that they had to wear masks for protection against the dust kicked up by the heavy traffic. It took from four to six months to cross the entire Oregon Trail - most wagon trains traveled about 12–15 miles per day.
I found this postcard at a local Goodwill, and was intrigued, as this is one of the only "negative" postcards I've ever come across!
To see postcards from around the world, visit The Best Hearts Are Crunchy - where Beth hosts the fun meme - "Postcard Friendship Friday"!
You have the best luck finding cards at Good Will. Good for you. Settling the Oregon Trail was definitely NOT the good ole days! Happy PFF!
ReplyDeleteAwesome card! Is that a bison skull? How spooky.
ReplyDeleteThey must have been particularly courageous people! I don't know that I could do it.
ReplyDeletePS I do struggle with this new format of word verification. :(
ReplyDeletePioneering would never have worked for me! Happy Friday.
ReplyDeleteBeing a pioneer was hard! A good number of women walked the Trail while they were pregnant. I just cannot imagine it.
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