Oregon Trail
Each year our Nebraska Studies take us along the Oregon Trail. The following diary entries were written by 2007-08 fourth grade "pioneers" from Northeast. Each student played a pioneer character and wrote accounts from their trip.
All the students joined "families" and assumed the role of adult or child. The diary entries will reflect the actions and emotions of their character as they reach different stops along the way.
PACK YOUR WAGONS
Independence, MO
Today we are at camp eating supper. I'm so scared becuse I liked are old home, but Ma says that it will be just fine. I hate traveling becuse it's so rocky and bouncy. My friends are traveling too, but I don't get to see them much. Can you believe we are leaving tomorrow? I can't. Like when Ma said that we are moving to Oregon. I'm so mad at her.
Kailey Clark April 20, 1851
Independence, MO
Today I am nervous! I am nervous because we will start on foot tomorrow. Since I am Pa I will carry my family to better places. Now, I am prepared.
Nathan Colter April 20, 1851
Independence, MO
I'm so excited about going to Oregon! I've heard about the beautiful land there. Maybe, I will make some new friends. Ma's packing the dishes, now. Pa's trying to train the oxen, and Sarah's coming up the hill with a bucket of water. I just can't wait for tomorrow!
Minnie Carter April 20, 1851
Ft. Kearney May 15, 1851
Today we have come upon Ft. Kearny. We are so happy. My brother Walter is watching the animals. Sarah is sleeping in the wagon.
Violet Dunn teenage daughter
We have been traveling for one month now, and are taking a break at Ft. Kearny. It is a great place to stay. It is protected. Today I am helping Pa with the harnesses.
Laura Allis Ma
Today, me and my friend Ella were playing by the fort. Uncle Alexander was relaxing. Mom washed my whole family's clothes in the Platte. I loved it because now I don't smell like a dead buffalo. I had to help Ma wash clothes. Then, I wanted to cook. Ma said you better not. I asked why? Ma said you're a horrible cook.
Amelia Lewis teenage daughter
When our family got to Ft. Kearny I got to wash some clothes in the Platte River. I also got to cook. There was a post office there and our family sent letters to our family members. There were so many buffalo there. It was beautiful.
Ann Gibson Ma
I am excited to mail a letter to my mom from the west. I'm surprised that the Indians have not come! I'm mad at my husband James because he only wants one to two horses.
Grace Merrill Ma
We have been seeing more and more graves every day. It seems to be reminding me how dangerous this journey is. I am worried about what is to become of my children.
Ella Sue Whitman Ma
Chimney Rock June 3, 1851
I am so excited to see Chimney Rock because every day Ma and I would try to guess and see what it looks like. When we got there we saw beautiful land. Ma and I were looking through the end of the wagon. We were looking at the beautiful sky behind the chimney.
Mary Gibson Child
When we stopped at Chimney Rock I was so surprised. I would get to run around. But then I thought to myself I still have to do chores. But that's okay.
Ema Colter Daughter
Today I had to punish my son because he kept on running to this big rock. Then he tried to climb it when I was feeding the horses. I made him pick up the chips and clean my gun.
Alexander Dunn Pa
Chimney Rock is so awesome. We could see it miles away. When we made it to Chimney Rock I said WOW! It was the most interesting thing on the Oregon Trail.
Gracie Smith Child
We are setting up camp soon. We need our rest for tomorrow, but I've just spotted a huge rock. It looks like a chimney. I want to get a closer look. I'm going to carve my name in it.
Beth Bridger Child
Today is wonderful. Chimney Rock is, too. Pa said he might even climb it and carve our names on it! Ma decided we sill probably set up a little camp here tonight. There might be wolves around the Chimney, but I am not afraid.
Laura Whitman Teenager
Oregon City October 1, 1851
Luckily, the Sarpys and us are living in the same town. Ma is going to be teaching and I want to help Pa make a house next summer. I love being here in Oregon. Oh, I miss the Oregon Trail. I'm just kidding.
Ella Spalding Child
We finally made it to Oregon City! I will miss climbing on Courthouse and Jailhouse rocks. I get to sleep in a wonderful bed, though. We got some cheese for Shadow, my mouse. The dirt is wonderful here and my family can start farming and build a house. Mary is still sick.
Lydia Butler Teenager
We made it to Oregon. Lydia and the children are so happy. I will be making a house in November. We're building a fence because I'm going to buy a new dog. It's a secret, shhhh.
Nathan Sarpy Pa
We are finally in Oregon City, the end. I'm so happy because I don't have to walk or drive the wagon, or do any work, or do anything for a minute. Wow, that was long.
Cyrus Keeler Son
We made it! Tomas says he's glad he doesn't have to walk anymore. I love the sweet scent of pine trees. I'd better go help Ma unpack.
Elizabeth Jefferson Daughter
We have finally made it to Oregon. We are going to stay at some friend's house tonight. Tomorrow we are going to find land to build our house.
Kathrine Baker Ma
I am very excited. We reached Oregon! I found a very nice house. I bought 200 acres of land. This was the best trip ever!
John Monroe Pa
We did it! We made it to Oregon City. Tons of us were there. I feel tired from the walk. Our horses died, so did the oxen. Our wagon broke and we had to walk. But we made it!
John Colter Pa
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