Question

What were some of the pluses and minuses about traveling west during the time of the Oregon Trail?

Answer 1

Pro: Established Route, no worry of getting lost or heading in the wrong direction
Pro: Soldier protection, since the US was encouraging the settlement of the West, soldiers would come and look after travelers.

Con: Indian raids, because the Oregon Trail rain through Native Americans territory, Natives would often harass travelers and take goods
Con: Illness, sickness on the trail was always prevalent and spread like wildfire
Con: Exhaustion, it was a 2200 mile route, many people were walking.