Problems, Crashes and Errors of The Oregon Trail American Settler TODAY

Stream and river crossings, steep descents and ascents, violent storms, and the persistent threat of disease among large groups of travelers were the most common challenges.
Disease was the greatest threat on the trail, especially cholera, which struck wagon trains in years of heavy travel.

Obstacles included accidental discharge of firearms, falling off mules or horses, drowning in river crossings, and disease.
After entering the mountains, the trail also became much more difficult, with steep ascents and descents over rocky terrain.
The pioneers risked injury from overturned and runaway wagons.

Shootings, drownings, being crushed by wagon wheels, and injuries from handling domestic animals were the common killers on the trail.
Wagon accidents were the most prevalent.
Both children and adults sometimes fell off or under wagons and were crushed under the wheels.

Combined with accidents, drowning at dangerous river crossings, and other illnesses, at least 20,000 people died along the Oregon Trail.
Most trailside graves are unknown, as burials were quick and the wagon trains moved on.