May 22nd: Westward Ho On The Oregon Trail

May 22nd: Westward Ho On The Oregon Trail

While not exactly the first group to head out on the Oregon Trail, today marks the anniversary of a wagon train comprising over 100 wagons, 1,000 pioneers and 5,000 oxen and cattle left Elk Grove, Missouri to find their own farming grounds in Oregon. This was the first in what became an annual event through 1884, when the railroad eventually quickened the journey.

In 2004, Antiques Roadshow appraised a collection of Oregon Trail archives, circa 1852 at $5,000.

Christie’s auctioned off a painting by Albert Bierstadt in 2009. The painting, called “Oregon Trail” is a subtle piece, depicting a campfire scene and went for a hammer price of $1,762,500!

Also in 2004, an original movie poster for “The Oregon Trail” featuring John Wayne, sold at auction for $20,500. The movie itself seems to have disappeared, however, if you come across it, you can expect a small fortune!