Plate 1:  In the early spring, on the banks of the Missouri River, adventures wait with their “prairie schooners” until fifty or more wagons had gathered, before starting the 2000 mile trek west.

Plate 2:  Fifty or more families move in a caravan community of wagons also called prairie schooners with bodies shaped like boats & canvas tops that look like sails from a distance.

Plate 3:  The geography of the west was mostly unknown at the time and rivers and streams were dangerous to crossing caravans, often supplies and outfits were capsized or mired in mud.

Plate 4:  Reorganizing and repair caused long delays. Supplies that were needed included spare parts and tools, flour, salt, salt pork, bacon in addition to citric to make bad water drinkable.

Plate 5:  A caravan prepares to camp by building fires, taking care of animals and holding meetings to maintain discipline during times of hardship and restraint.

Plate 6:  During the journey women & children cooked, did washing & mending, cow milking and cared for the babies while men repaired equipment and cared for cows and draft animals.

Plate 7:  Many Native Americans along the way were friendly and through sign language they helped the scouts by giving directions across dangerous country.

Plate 8:  Beyond the Platte River buffalo congregated & traveled in herds, Native American used their meat for food and skin for clothing, shelter and canoes.

Plate 9:  Warlike tribes of Sioux & Pawnee feared losing food & land to the increasing number of white settlers.

Plate 10: Indian scouts return to their camps to gather for a pow-wow or council of war.

Plate 11: During the danger of an attack by Native Americans wagons were driven in a circle or square for protection. The men, women & children aiding the fight from inside while they were showered with arrows.

Plate 12: The trails west were marked by animal bones, broken wagons and dirt mounded graves covered by rocks and marked with crude headstones or crosses.

Plate 13: On uncharted trails pioneers had to face many challenges including using a block & tackle to lower their wagon off of a cliff to the valley below.

Plate 14: The climate changes from the desert to the Sierra Nevada Mountains provided many problems for the travelers including shortage of water & grass, extreme heat and terrific dust storms.

Plate 15: If the caravan spent too much time crossing the desert they would face the winter in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and lack of food & shelter from heavy storms.

Plate 16: The promised land—California & Oregon! Timbers were cleared for farmland and to build homes.