Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society: September 2025

Migration Trails - 19th Century

As Oregonians, we tend to focus on our namesake trail, the Oregon Trail, which for most part was the prominent travel route of the pioneer families who settled in our state beginning in the late 1830’s and peaking in the late 1850’s with the gold rush era. Other routes were just as important to the migration and expansion of the west. Together, they shaped the economic, political, and cultural landscape and left lasting legacies in the nation’s history.

The promise of new opportunities, fertile lands, and boundless adventure spurred thousands of pioneers to embark on daring journeys along the seven iconic westward trails to the American West. The Santa Fe Trail’s bustling trade routes, and the Old Spanish Trail were more than mere pathways—they were lifelines of hope, ambition, and resilience. This presentation explores the historical significance, unique challenges, and enduring legacies of the Oregon, California, Mormon, Santa Fe, Old Spanish, Bozeman, and Pony Express trails, revealing how they shaped the nation’s expansion and the lives of those who dared to traverse them.

Join us for an hour with Steven W. Morrison, prominent northwest historian, lecturer and professional genealogist exploring the seven trails to the west.

Registration link is here:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/lqLxbKpPS9Gx_w2obiCh9Q

Pioneers of The West

Header Photo: Helen Lundeberg created this painting while employed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a New Deal program that employed artists during the Great Depression. Like other WPA artists, Lundeberg depicted a hopeful view of the United States during a time of turmoil and uncertainty by showing a dreamlike image of western expansion. The group of pioneers, with their backs to the viewer, follows an ox-drawn wagon into a valley. The monumental figures appear strong and assured in their forward progress. Rising mountains melt into the sun. Lundeberg's style of mixing fantastic images with reality is evident in the background: The pink, rolling mountains blend into the orange, pink, and bluish haze of the sky; it is difficult to determine where the mountains end and the sky begins. The careful use of space and dreamlike elements in Pioneers of the West is representative of Lundeberg's postsurrealist style. This movement, derived from surrealism, purposely combined fantasy with reality and was predominantly found on the West Coast. (Helen Lundeberg, Pioneers of the West, 1934, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from the General Services Administration, 1985.8.27) GSA: Information and images created or owned by the GSA unless otherwise indicated, are considered in the public domain. They may be distributed or copied as permitted by applicable law.

Migration Trails - 19th Centuty - Following the 7 T's - Steven W. Morrison