The First Major Wagon Train Departs for Oregon

On September 2, 1843, the first significant wagon train headed for the Northwestern United States embarked from Elm Grove, Missouri, marking a pivotal moment in the American westward expansion. This event, known as the “Great Migration of 1843,” saw approximately 1,000 settlers, along with their livestock and supplies, set off on the Oregon Trail with the destination of the fertile valleys of the Oregon Territory.

Context and Background

The Oregon Trail had become a well-known route for pioneers seeking new opportunities in the west. It spanned roughly 2,000 miles, beginning in Independence or, in this case, Elm Grove, Missouri, and stretching to the Oregon Territory. Prior minor migrations had paved the way, but none approached the scale of the 1843 expedition.

This movement was fueled by various factors, including the promise of free land in Oregon, economic opportunities, and a growing American belief in Manifest Destiny—the idea that the United States was destined to expand across North America.

The Journey

Led by notable figures such as Jesse Applegate and Peter H. Burnett, the 1843 caravan was a logistical feat. Organizers prepared extensively, gathering enough provisions and equipment to sustain the families during their multi-month journey.

The wagon train faced numerous challenges, including treacherous terrain, river crossings, and the risk of conflict with Native American tribes. Despite these difficulties, many of the emigrants reached their destination, leading to further increases in migrations to the Oregon Territory over the subsequent years.

Historical Significance

The Great Migration of 1843 is often considered a foundational moment in the history of the American West. It demonstrated the feasibility of mass overland emigration and set a pattern for future waves of settlers. It greatly contributed to the eventual annexation of the Oregon Territory into the United States, as American presence bolstered claims to the land in disputes with Britain.

This migration also served to stimulate the development of new settlements and agriculture in the Northwest, thereby reinforcing American political and economic interests in the region. As such, the departure from Elm Grove on September 2, 1843, stands as a landmark event in the story of the American frontier.