WHAT DID THE EMIGRANTS NEED TO TAKE!

 

Some of the early guidebooks listed the different kinds and amounts of items that the emigrants should bring along with them on their journey.  The items listed below were some of those recommended by Joseph Ware in his 1849 "The Emigrants' Guide to California".  The food and equipment listed were needed by three people traveling by oxen, while the clothing items listed were recommended per man.

 

Separate the items in the list into the appropriate categories in the boxes:

bedding

600 lbs. bacon

1 pair of boots

1 overcoat

3 rifles

75 lbs. rice

1 belt knife

50 lbs lard

1 comb

3 towels

1 brush

1 tent

1 coat

matches

sewing items

30 lbs. lead

150 lbs. sugar

50 lbs dried fruit

4 colored silk handkerchiefs

2 pairs stout walking shoes

2 over shirts

3 lbs. laundry soap

50 lbs. salt, pepper spices

4 pairs woolen socks

cooking utensils

1 broad brimmed hat

10 lbs. saleratus

2 pairs cotton drawers

3 pairs pistols or 2 revolvers

25 lbs. gunpowder

2 woolen undershirts

1 qutta percha ponco

50 lbs. candles & soap

5 barrels of flour - 1080 lbs.

2 toothbrushes

2 pairs cotton socks

 

BRAINBUSTERS:  Do you know what saleratus is and how it is used?  What different items would women have brought along?

 

TWO DAYS ON THE TRAIL

 

Now that you have read about the nature of the trails west, some of the problems the emigrants encountered, and the sites that the emigrants saw, write a diary entry for two days for a section of the trail of your choice.  Be as specific as possible when describing the  section of the trail and the incidents that you would likely experience on your journey.

WAGONS HO!!!