Let’s go step by step to fill out the table correctly based on the map and what we know about Westward Expansion trails.
We are given four trails: Oregon Trail, Santa Fe Trail, Mormon Trail, and California Trail. We need to match each with its starting point, ending point, trail length, and who used it — using the colors shown in the image (red for Oregon, orange for Santa Fe, blue for Mormon, green for California).
Looking at the map:
1.
Oregon Trail (red line):
- Starts in Missouri (you can see it begins near Independence, MO)
- Ends in Oregon (goes all the way to Portland area)
- Length is written as 2,170 miles
- Used by pioneers, miners, farmers, adventurers — that makes sense because many families moved west for land and opportunity
2.
Santa Fe Trail (orange line):
- Starts in Missouri (again, near Independence or Franklin, MO)
- Ends in New Mexico (specifically Santa Fe)
- Length is 870 miles — shorter than others because it goes southwest, not all the way to Pacific
- Used by Mexican & American traders, US Army — this was a trade route, so merchants and soldiers used it
3.
Mormon Trail (blue line):
- Starts in Illinois (Nauvoo, IL — where Mormons were living before moving west)
- Ends in Utah (Salt Lake City — their new home)
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of westward expansion worksheet middle school.
