Walking In the Kansas City Ruts of the Oregon Trail

Minor Park, in Kansas City. Ruts from the Oregon Trail, circa 1840-1860. The wagons pulled hard up the hill after crossing a creek.

Would it surprise you to know you can see physical evidence of the Oregon Trail, circa 1840s, today? I was surprised. There's nothing like being in the spot where it happened to connect with that time in history.

This is Minor Park, located on the south side of Kansas City. It still has deep swales where the wagons pulled up the hill after crossing a creek--150 years of erosion--yet still very visible. I stood here and was humbled to realize that a long, difficult journey was just beginning for thousands of travelers. What were they feeling? Excitement about the new life? Fear and dread of the trip itself? Sadness over leaving their friends and family behind?

See this Smithsonian article for other Oregon Trail locations: https://lnkd.in/d6BFYJH

Have you and your family explored the path of your ancestors as part of exploring your family's legacy? How did it make YOU feel to make that connection?