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Sadly, the dreams for many were cut short by sudden tragedy.
Death followed the wagons every step of the way. Cholera could kill in a
matter of hours, wiping out entire families as it spread from wagon to
wagon. Countless women and infants died during childbirth and their
unmarked graves flank the route of the trail. One of every ten people who
started the westward trek died along the way. That comes to some thirty
thousand men, women and children who are buried along the highway, about fifteen
graves per miles, say the historians. Today the trip on I-80 from Missouri to
the Pacific is an easy three or four day drive allowing plenty of time for stops
at rest areas and air conditioned motels. The next time you make the
drive, keep an eye on the land as it whizzes past your car. You're sure to
spot the trail. In fact, many sections have survived almost as they were
over a hundred years ago. Many of these are clearly marked and easily
accessed from the highway. Watch for the signs. In some area, the
wagon ruts may be several feet deep. In other areas, the width of the
trail extends for several miles. If you want to experience a small taste of
what the trail was like, just pull off the highway in some lonely stretch of the
country. Get out of your car and walk a few yards or so along the
trail. Look down at the wheel tracks and think about how they got
there. Then by very quiet and listen for the ghosts. If you're very
still and the wind is just right, maybe you'll hear them urging you on.... |
