In the 1840s, the Oregon Trail became the primary overland route for emigrants moving westward, with the first major wagon train of 69 men, women, and children making the journey in 1841. Over the next three decades, more than half a million people followed the trail from Missouri to Oregon and California. The 2,000-mile journey was fraught with dangers, including disease, accidents, harsh weather, and the threat of starvation. The trail was a central artery of Manifest Destiny, facilitating the settlement of the American West.

The Oregon Trail is one of the most iconic symbols of American westward expansion and a rich subject for literature. The diaries and letters of the emigrants provide a vivid record of the experience, which has inspired countless works of poetry and prose. The trail is a central setting in the 'Little House' books and has been the subject of epic poems and historical novels that explore the themes of adventure, hardship, and the promise of a new life.