Information
Landmark: Oregon Trail MonumentCity: Baker City
Country: USA Oregon
Continent: North America
Oregon Trail Monument, Baker City, USA Oregon, North America
Overview
The Oregon Trail Monument in Boise, Idaho, stands as a tribute to the pioneers who journeyed westward along the Oregon Trail during the mid-19th century.Located on the grounds of the Idaho State Capitol, this monument is part of a broader network of markers commemorating the historic route.Monument OverviewThe Boise Oregon Trail Monument is an eight-foot-tall stone marker placed by Ezra Meeker in 1906.Meeker, a pioneer who had traveled the Oregon Trail in 1852, retraced the route in his later years to mark its path and preserve its memory.He dedicated 22 stones and monuments along his reverse journey, aiming to highlight the significance of the trail and the hardships faced by emigrants.Design and FeaturesThe monument in Boise is a granite obelisk, a common design for markers of this nature.It features a plaque detailing the history of the Oregon Trail and the role of Idaho in the westward expansion.The obelisk is situated near the Idaho State Capitol, providing visitors with a scenic view of the surrounding area.Historical SignificanceThe Oregon Trail was a 2,000-mile route that stretched from Missouri to Oregon, traversing through Idaho.In Ada County, Idaho, the trail segment includes approximately eight miles of the original path, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.Wagon tracks from the Oregon Trail can still be identified in certain areas, serving as a testament to the emigrants' journey.Visitor ExperienceVisitors to the Oregon Trail Monument in Boise can explore the surrounding area, which includes interpretive signs and scenic views.The monument is part of a larger effort to preserve and commemorate the Oregon Trail's history, offering educational opportunities for those interested in the westward expansion and pioneer life.The Oregon Trail Monument in Boise serves as a lasting reminder of the pioneers' resilience and the challenges they faced in their quest for a new life in the West.
