The Oregon Trail

by Jean F. Blashfield

Published 1 September 2000
An introductory history of the Oregon Trail and its significance in opening the west to settlers, including information on the people who opened the Trail, their reasons for going west, modes of transportation, and a description of a typical day on the Trail.

The California Gold Rush

by Jean F. Blashfield

Published 1 September 2000
Describes adventures and disasters in the lives of people who rushed to the gold mines of California in 1848 and explains how this event sparked the state's development.

The Santa Fe Trail

by Jean F. Blashfield

Published 1 September 2000
Introduces the history and economic purpose of the Santa Fe Trail and the resulting settlement of the Southwest.