INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI

ON THE REAL TRAIL

In the 1840s Independence was the busiest "jumping-off" town for the West. It sat near the end of steamboat travel up the Missouri River, so emigrants arrived by boat, bought wagons, oxen and food, and waited for the spring grass to grow tall enough to feed their animals on the plains.

Most wagon parties left in April or May. Leave too early and the grass was thin; leave too late and the snow could catch you in the mountains before you reached Oregon.

IN THE OREGANO TRAIL

Every run starts here, at the general store. Prices will never be this low again: each fort to the west charges more. Buy oxen, food, clothing, ammunition and spare parts now.

· All landmarks · Kansas River →