Curated OER
Wikipedia: National Historic Landmarks in California: Sutter's Fort
A 19th century agricultural and trade colony, it was known for its connection to the Donner Party, the California Gold Rush, and the formation of Sacramento as well as its proximity to the California Trail and Siskiyou Trails. Now a...
Library of Congress
Loc: Teachers: Journeys West
A series of lessons utilizing primary texts, including narratives, photographs, and maps, through which learners explore the following question: "What motivated thousands of people to journey west during the 1800s?"
Other
The Gold Rush: The Journey
Read about the routes followed by those seeking the riches of California. Find out the advantages and hazards of each route.
Curated OER
Wikipedia: National Historic Landmarks in California: Old Mission Dam
The first major irrigation project on the Pacific coast, this dam supplied water for milling and irrigation at the Mission San Diego de Alcala, 5 miles away. Now part of Mission Trails Regional Park.
The History Cat
The History Cat: Westward Expansion
Here you can learn about the Oregon Trail, Donner Party, the California Gold Rush, and life as a pioneer through text, images, video, and quotes.
University of California
Ucmp: Understanding Science: Tennis Shoe Detectives
A lesson where students take copies of their shoe prints, then create a story and illustrate it with pictures showing trails of footprints. Presented are samples of such trails that can be used to stimulate class discussion, and to...
Digital History
Digital History: Explorations: Children and the Westward Movement
Read first-hand accounts to learn about the children who made the journey west to California, Utah, Oregon and other destinations in the mid-1800s.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Pony Express: History and Culture
A good article from the National Park Service which recounts the history of the brief existence of the Pony Express. Read about the route, what caused the demise of the Pony Express, and what part of the trail can still be seen.
Library of Congress
Loc: American Memory: Expedition of the Donner Party
The youngest daughter of George Donner tells the harrowing tale of her family's ill-fated journey at this site from the Library of Congress. This is primary source material.
Curated OER
Etc: Santa Fe and Oregon Trails to the Pacific Coast, 1840 1850
A map of the western United States in 1840-1850 showing the Oregon Trail and Santa Fe, the two principal overland routes from Independence, Missouri, to the western territories and the Pacific. The map shows the territory boundaries,...
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: Van Valen's Gold Rush Journey
In this superb interactive exhibition, students explore primary resources and learn about the reasons people left their homes to search for wealth during the California Gold Rush. Van Valen, along with four other men, set out in 1849 to...
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Maps Etc: Trade and Migration, 1840 1850
A map of the United States showing the principal trade and westward migration routes between 1840 and 1850. The map shows state and territory boundaries at the time, major cities, ports, outposts, forts, and settlements, rivers, mountain...
Curated OER
Etc: Principal Routes of Trade and Migration, 1840 1850
A map of the United States between 1840 and 1850 showing the states and territories, and the principal routes of transportation and westward migration during the period. The map shows frontier forts, outposts, and settlements, the...
Curated OER
Wikipedia: National Historic Landmarks in Wyoming: Independence Rock
Independence Rock is a large granite rock, approximately 130 ft (40 m) high, which served as a landmark on the Oregon Trail and California Trail in southwestern Natrona County.
Curated OER
Wikipedia: Natl Historic Landmarks in Kansas: Hollenberg Pony Express Station
Built by Gerat H. Hollenberg in 1858, this cabin was associated with the Oregon and California Trails, the Pony Express, and the Butterfield Overland Mail. Hollenberg traded with emigrants on the trails, operated the westernmost Pony...
Curated OER
Wikipedia: National Historic Landmarks in Idaho: City of Rocks
Thousands of emigrants on the California Trail made this a popular resting point, and left wagon ruts that are still visible today. For these emigrants, the landscape of rock outcrops rising like city buildings, woodlands, and mountains...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: America's History in the Making: Contested Territories
This site highlights the westward expansion of settlers in North America and the effects this expansion had on Native Americans between the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
Curated OER
The Journey by Land
This CalGoldRush.com site discusses where people came from and the many routes that were taken to get to California. Many traveled the Mormon and Oregon Trails.