THINKING CRITICALLY
THINKING CRITICALLY
1. Analyzing Patterns Use the map to identify natural
obstacles that settlers faced on the Oregon Trail.
2. Creating a Thematic Map Do research to find out
more about early mapping efforts for other western
trails. Then create a settler’s map of a small section
of one trail. To help you decide what information you
should show, pose some questions that a settler
might have and that your map will answer. Then,
sketch and label your map.
SEE SKILLBUILDER HANDBOOK, PAGE R32.
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4
CROSSING THE MOUNTAINS
Pioneers on the trail cut paths
through the Blue Mountains, a
wooded range that Frémont
believed had been formed by
“violent and extensive igneous
[volcanic] action.”
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RECORDING NATURAL RESOURCES
On October 13, Frémont traveled through
a desolate valley of the Columbia River to
a region of “arable mountains,” where he
observed “nutritious grasses” and good soil
that would support future flocks and herds.
2
MAP NOTATION
Preuss recorded dates,
distances, tempera-
tures, and geographical
features as the expedi-
tion progressed along
the trail.
1
FORT BOISÉE (BOISE)
This post became an important stopping point
for settlers along the trail. Though salmon were
plentiful in summer, Frémont noted that in the
winter Native Americans often were forced to
eat “every creeping thing, however loathsome
and repulsive,” to stay alive.
IRESEARCH LINKS
CLASSZONE.COM
Expanding Markets and Moving West 287
