Responsibilities
The major responsibility of the Trail Navigator is to study the route of the Oregon Trail. Maps, landmarks, and transportation will all be considered by this specialist as he or she contributes to the exploration of the Oregon Trail geographically. The Trail Navigator will gather data by collecting and drawing maps, taking photographs of landmarks and interviewing pioneers on the geography of the land. A journal can also be kept for further analysis. The following questions should be answered by the Trail Navigator:
 

Questions

• What map will you use in following the Oregon Trail?
• What landmarks will you see along the way?
• How long will it take to complete the Oregon Trail?
• How will you make sure that you stay on the right path?
• What kind of transportation you will use?

Sites

• Prairie Schooners - Transportation is an important thing to consider when you are traveling such a long way! Find out more about your chief means of travel, the prairie schooner.
• Oregon Trail Mileposts - Would do you see and hear on The Oregon Trail? Find out about the rivers, springs, pony express stations, plateaus and plains that you will experience on your journey.
• Trading Posts and Forts Along the Oregon Trail - Many forts are were built to protect emigrants like you heading west. Find out about these forts, their locations, and those responsible for building them.
• Did the Oregon Trail Start Here? - Where does the Oregon Trail really start? You'll know the answer to this question after you read the information on this website!
• Didn't the Oregon Trail Go By Here? - If you would like to read an overview of what your journey is going to be like, this site is for you! Learn more about where the Oregon Trail really went by taking a look at this site.
• The Queen City of the Trails - Independence, Missouri, known as 'the Queen City of the Trails,' is a natural jumping-off point for your group as you begin the trail. Learn more about what this city is like and the history behind its formation.
• The City At the Dalles - On your journey you come to the Dalles City, the first town to take root east of the Cascade Mountains. Use this site to learn more about Dalles City and why it is an important place on the Oregon Trail.
• Map of the Oregon Trail - A map of the Oregon Trail is needed on your trip! This site might help you see where you need to go.
• Oregon Trail Map - A map with state lines might help you see the exact route of the Oregon Trail more clearly.
• Power - Horse? Mule? Oxen? What animal would pull the emigrant's covered wagons? That question was hotly debated among the Oregon-bound pioneers.
• Historic Sites on the Oregon Trail - From St. Louis to Oregon City, nearly two dozen sites are waiting for you to visit. Learn more about each site's location and history!
• The Overland Wagon - Pioneers like you use overland wagons, also called Prairie Schooners, as a means of travel on the Oregon Trail. Learn about what the overland wagon looks like, what it can hold, and how fast it could go!