Ever since I began researching the Oregon Trail route for my novel about travel along the trail, I have wanted to go to the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City, Oregon, run by the Bureau of Land Management. I finally had the opportunity to visit it in late April, as my husband and I drove the trail backwards from eastern Washington State to Missouri, along I-84, US-26, and I-80.
The museum tells the story of the emigrants, from the jumping off points in the Midwest to their arrival in Oregon City. It also features outdoor walks where visitors can see the remainder of the wagon ruts that pass by the site.
My husband commented that he liked the museum in Independence, Missouri, better, because it focused more on excerpts from pioneer diaries. I love reading the diary entries also, but I have read so many over the years, that perhaps they don’t strike me as “new” anymore.
At this point in my writing, I am focused on the details. For example, oxen were not driven with reins, the way mules and horses were. They were guided by someone walking next to the lead pair, or perhaps with a whip tapping their shoulder or rump.
I took many pictures of the displays, and I will pore over them to make my novel as accurate as I can in portraying the lives of the emigrants along the trail.
What historical details do you look for when you read historical fiction?
P.S. I wrote earlier this year that my goal was to complete my edits of my first Oregon Trail novel by June 30. I got it done the last week in April! All chapters are now ready for my critique group, and I’m now working on addressing their comments on the first half of the book. I’m hoping the novel will then be ready for a final copy-edit. I’m still pushing for a Labor Day publication, though that is definitely a stretch goal. Both the emigrants and I have been on long journeys.
Congratulations on exceeding your goal!
How exciting that must have been, to visit the museum. I’m happy you were finally able to go, Theresa. I love the photos.
Congratulations on meeting your goal! You’ve had a lot to deal with over the past year…well done.
Congratulations! I’m excited to read your book!
I am a genealogist/historian for the Joseph Cary Geer family which traveled on the Oregon Trail in 1847. Their “train” was led by Joel Palmer. Joseph settled across the Willamette River from Butteville, His son Frederick had the property next to him. Son Ralph had the #2donation land claim in the Waldo Hills, just South of Silverton. Lots of info on the other children too. Joseph’s wife, Mary, died soon after they arrived and 2 years later he married Elizabeth Dixon Smith. I’m sure you have heard of her!
Our most famous Geer, Theodore,Thurston, (T.T.) was Governor of Oregon from 1899 to 1903. Homer Davenport, Political cartoonist for the Hurst newspapers is also a descendant.
Have you seen the book, “.The Meek Cutoff”? It was published last year. Written by Brooks Geer Ragen…..one of “ours”
Looking forward to reading your book.
Barbara Grim Lokting Portland, Or.
This sounds so interesting, since interaction is such a great way to learn and remember history. I am so glad my children enjoyed the Oregon Trail online social studies exercises when they were in Middle School. They would come home telling me what they learned on this computer ‘game.’