WAYS TO DIE ON THE OREGON TRAIL

"You have died of dysentery" became a famous line because it was true to history: disease, not attacks, killed most of the people who died on the overland trails. Here are the dangers the emigrants faced, and what each one means for your wagon in the game.

DYSENTERY

An intestinal infection spread through dirty water and food. On the trail, camps crowded along the same rivers and springs, and the water was often fouled by people and animals upstream.

In the game: Keep rations up and the pace sensible. A well-fed party at a steady pace gets sick less and recovers faster, and resting at a stop helps someone who is ill.

CHOLERA

The deadliest disease on the trails. Cholera spread through contaminated water and could kill within a day. It struck hardest in the epidemic years around 1849 and 1850, when the trails were most crowded.

In the game: Same rule as dysentery: healthy, rested, well-fed travelers survive illness more often. Don't push a sick party at a grueling pace.

DROWNING

River crossings killed many emigrants. Wagons tipped in strong currents, and few people of the time knew how to swim.

In the game: Read the depth. Ford only shallow water, caulk and float in deep water, pay for the ferry when you can, and wait a day if the river is high.

ACCIDENTS

Wagon accidents were a leading cause of death, especially children falling under wagon wheels, along with accidental gunshots from loaded rifles.

In the game: Breakdowns are your version: a broken wheel, axle or tongue can stop the wagon. Carry spare parts; a carpenter can sometimes fix a break without one.

MEASLES AND TYPHOID

Other diseases traveled with the wagon trains too, including measles and typhoid fever, which spread easily in crowded camps.

In the game: Illness can strike anyone. Health drops faster with poor rations and a hard pace, so watch the health line every turn.

SNAKEBITES

Rattlesnakes were common on the plains. Bites were frightening, though they killed fewer people than disease did.

In the game: Snakebites happen in the game too. A healthy party is more likely to pull through.

COLD AND EXHAUSTION

Parties that fell behind schedule faced snow in the mountains. The Donner Party, stranded in the Sierra Nevada in the winter of 1846–47 on the way to California, is the most famous example.

In the game: Bring warm clothing, about two sets per person. With the Trail Pass seasons, starting late means racing the snow to Oregon.

STARVATION

Families who ran short of food late in the trip suffered badly, especially in the mountains, where game was scarce and prices at the forts were high.

In the game: Buy enough food in Independence, hunt along the way, and don't waste ammunition. You can carry at most 200 pounds of meat back from one hunt.

For more survival tips, read how to play.