Near Westmoreland in Pottawatomie County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Route of the Oregon Trail

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., May 18, 2012

1. Route of the Oregon Trail Marker

Inscription.

Historians have estimated that between 250,000 and 300,000 emigrants used the Oregon Trail between 1840 and 1869. At least 30,000 emigrants died along the Oregon Trail, leaving an average of 15 graves for every mile of the trail. Disease, especially cholera, accidents and hardships took their toll; very few were killed by Indians. Most trail-side grave sites are unknown but road construction occasionally uncovers lonely emigrant graves. A monument nearby marks the grave of a child at the Scott Spring Oregon Trail camp site. Other graves have been found in the timbers.

Erected by Sylvia Galloway.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Oregon Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1840.

Location. 39° 22.997′ N, 96° 24.352′ W. Marker is near Westmoreland, Kansas, in Pottawatomie County. Marker is on The Road to Oz Highway (State Highway 99), on the left when traveling south. Marker is next to the covered wagon in Oregon Trail Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Westmoreland KS 66549, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Wagon & Team • Supplies Needed (here, next to this marker); One Step at a Time

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(here, next to this marker); The Long Journey (a few steps from this marker); Archeological Site 14-PO1311 (within shouting distance of this marker); Tallgrass Prairie (within shouting distance of this marker); Wagons Fording Rock Creek (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Scott Spring (about 300 feet away); Burial Site of Oregon Trail Traveler (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Westmoreland.

Also see . . .
1. Oregon National Historic Trail. (Submitted on February 20, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Oregon-California Trails Association. (Submitted on February 20, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. National Frontier Trails Museum, Independence MO. (Submitted on February 20, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
4. National Oregon/California Trail Center at Montpelier, Idaho. (Submitted on February 20, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

Oregon Trail Park Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., May 18, 2012

2. Oregon Trail Park Markers

Oregon Trail Park Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr.

3. Oregon Trail Park Sign

Covered Wagon in Oregon Trail Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., May 18, 2012

4. Covered Wagon in Oregon Trail Park

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 20, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 535 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 20, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on February 19, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 4. submitted on February 20, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.