One of my absolute favorite stops! Probably because I heard about it so much during my research. Then again, even the National Park Service Auto Tour Guide mentions that it “has been called the most significant historic site on the Oregon Trail within the State of Kansas.” Somewhere between 165 and 179 miles from IndependenceContinueContinue reading “On the Trail: Stop 6 – Alcove Spring”
Tag Archives: Oregon Trail
Dinner at 1800: Baked Mush
Let’s see, what is simple enough that it’s okay if a baby constantly interrupts but a little more questionable than the last few things I made? Because it’s been awhile since I’ve made Daniel wince. . .Keep on reading and don’t forget to check out the accompanying Instagram reel. Baked Mush The Harvey House CookbookContinueContinue reading “Dinner at 1800: Baked Mush”
On the Trail: Stop 5 – Red Vermillion
If there is one thing that is mentioned in most guidebooks and diaries, it is the Vermillion River! It was about a day’s travel from the St. Mary’s Mission or 120 miles from Independence. A major river crossing for the emigrants, it provided excellent camping, was a good source of wood and water, and wasContinueContinue reading “On the Trail: Stop 5 – Red Vermillion”
Dinner at 1800: Circling-Up Doughnuts
Let’s be honest, it is highly doubtful that this exact recipe was made on the trail, despite being in the Oregon Trail cookbook. In all my research, I have yet to read that someone brought cream of tartar with them…but at the same time, the recipe is simple enough that I bet there were variationsContinueContinue reading “Dinner at 1800: Circling-Up Doughnuts”
On the Trail: Stop 4 – St. Mary’s Mission
About fifty miles past the Blue Mound – so probably approximately a week after leaving Independence, after crossing the Kansas River, travelers might stop by St. Mary’s Mission. I haven’t found a ton of information on the Mission as it relates to the trail, but it was occasionally mentioned in diaries and the National ParkContinueContinue reading “On the Trail: Stop 4 – St. Mary’s Mission”
The Overland Trails: Overview
Following my reposting strategy as I begin life as a new mother, today is a repost giving an overview on the Overland Trails. Enjoy! Originally posted May 2023: Overland Trail Overview What is the Overland Trail? Though it isn’t as common a term as the Oregon Trail, thanks to the beloved video game, the overlandContinueContinue reading “The Overland Trails: Overview”
On the Trail: Stop 3 – Blue Mound
Not much past the Parting of the Trails, so just a few days from Independence, came the first real landmark often mentioned in diaries – the Blue Mound. From our perspective, it isn’t much to see, but for the travelers, it was a visible milestone on the trail. According to Traveling the Oregon Trail, “AlthoughContinueContinue reading “On the Trail: Stop 3 – Blue Mound”
On the Trail: Stop 2 – Parting of the Trails
About 40 miles from Independence – so 2-4 days depending on how fast they were traveling – came the first Parting of the Trails (and yes, there was more than one)! While there isn’t much to say about this area, it is still worth noting as the second most significant “stop” when following the trail,ContinueContinue reading “On the Trail: Stop 2 – Parting of the Trails”
On the Trail: Stop 1 – Lone Elm Park
I know, I know. Last month, I said the Mahaffie House was stop 1. But I’ve updated that to be a stop 1 alternative. Because, especially in this first part of the trail, the first major stop really depended on what jumping off town you chose, what route you decided to take, and even whatContinueContinue reading “On the Trail: Stop 1 – Lone Elm Park”
On the Trail: Stop 1 Alternate – Mahaffie House
So, I’ve decided to try and take you on a virtual trip down the trail. Since we’ve already talked about Jumping Off towns, let’s move on to one of the first stops a family might make. If one (say, my fictional family) were to decide to take the Oregon/California trail, jumping off from Independence, dependingContinueContinue reading “On the Trail: Stop 1 Alternate – Mahaffie House”
Forest Idylls 