Hit the Trail: A Crossword Puzzle Journey Through Oregon History
This week, we’re taking a journey back in time, swapping our modern-day travel plans for the rugged realities of the Oregon Trail. This historic path, a lifeline for pioneers seeking a new life in the West, is filled with iconic landmarks and treacherous crossings.
Get your pencils sharpened, because this crossword puzzle will test your knowledge of the trail’s most significant stops. From bustling river towns to the rugged beauty of mountain passes, each clue will lead you to a pivotal point in Oregon Trail history.
Ready to embark on this historical adventure? Let’s hit the trail!
Across
1. This bustling river town served as a key starting point for wagon trains, offering supplies and a final chance to prepare for the journey. (7 letters)
2. A treacherous crossing of the Platte River, often fraught with danger due to strong currents and shifting sandbars. (10 letters)
3. This Wyoming landmark, carved by centuries of erosion, offered a scenic respite for weary travelers. (7 letters)
4. The site of a brutal massacre in 1854, this landmark serves as a somber reminder of the hardships faced by pioneers. (8 letters)
5. This landmark, marking the transition from the plains to the mountains, presented a challenging climb for wagon trains. (6 letters)
Down
1. This bustling town, located at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas rivers, served as a major trading post and point of departure for westward journeys. (8 letters)
2. This landmark, a vast prairie where buffalo herds roamed freely, was a crucial source of food and sustenance for pioneers. (9 letters)
3. A daunting stretch of the trail, this stretch of the trail was characterized by its unforgiving terrain and lack of water. (12 letters)
4. This dramatic canyon, carved by the Snake River, presented both beauty and peril to those traversing the Oregon Trail. (8 letters)
5. A pivotal point on the trail, this town, situated at the confluence of the Deschutes and Columbia rivers, marked a critical point for navigating the final stretch to the Willamette Valley. (8 letters)
Available Answers:
FORTS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 18 Sep 24, Wednesday