Heading West to Oregon - January 13-14, 2009

Agenda
1. Read textbook pages 322-325
2. Journal - Oregon (page 5 in INB)
"Why did the Mountain Men go to Oregon? Why did families go to Oregon along the Oregon Trail?"
3. "One Family's Journey" play reading
HW: The Appleton Family - the next chapter (page 6 in INB)

Today in Yukon history, we began by reading about the two main reasons why Americans moved west to Oregon: gold and God. We learned that families headed west to seek their fortune, that mountain men went out to sell beaver furs back to the East Coast, and that missionaries went west looking to convert the local natives to Christianity.

We then read "One Family's Journey," the story of the Appleton family (Ma, Pa, Jem, Caddie, and Baby Sarah) as they trek west on the Oregon Trail from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon City, Oregon. The family must leave Grammy behind in Missouri and set out with their wagon train led by trail guide, Justin Lester. Along the way, they meet many challenges, hardships, and disease. They are helped by a group of Sioux, led by Tall Grass Waving. Finally, they make it up and over the Cascade Mountains into the Willamette River valley.

What will happen in the "next chapter" of the Appleton family's story? Your homework for tonight is to continue the story in 1/2 to 3/4 of a page. We'll share the best stories the next time we meet!

Need the original text of the play? Download it here: "One Family's Journey"

RVI