"The Great Migration: The Oregon Trail" recounts the westward journey of 1830s pioneers who undertook the arduous trek seeking new beginnings. Initially led by missionaries in 1836, these settlers were drawn by opportunities such as the Land Donation Act. They embarked on the journey across the long and challenging Oregon Trail in covered wagons, making slow progress while facing hardships. Despite these obstacles, nearly 400,000 people ventured across the United States to reach destinations like California and Oregon. The discovery of gold in California in 1848 further spurred migration along this 2,000-mile path. However, the development of the railway marked a shift in westward travel, ultimately signaling the decline of the Oregon Trail's prominence.