Pioneers, part 4: Landmarks on the Overland Route
Monday: Timeline
Have your student add to his timeline: 1841: The first overland wagon train, led by John Bidwell, to make the entire trip. The small wagon train left together at Independence, Missouri. At Soda Springs, Idaho, half went on the Hedspeth Cutoff to California and half went on to Oregon.
Tuesday: Research: Landmarks and Signposts
Have your student research landmarks and signposts pioneers saw, writing a short description of each in their notebooks.
Courthouse Rock
Jail Rock
Chimney Rock
Scott's Bluff
Independence Rock
Devil's Gate
Split Rock
South Pass
Natural Bridge
Soda Springs, Idaho
The Dalles
- Have your student determine the distance between each landmark.
- Invite your student to make a model of a landmark.
Wednesday: Writing
You are now about 480 miles west of the Missouri River and you have been on the trail about one month. You are following the Platte River. What kind of terrain do you see? Are there any flowers or trees? What kind of grass is available for the cattle?
Thursday and Friday: Writing Research Paper
Your student should now begin deciding on a topic for his research paper. It can come from the notes he has been taking, or he can think of a new topic to explore.
