Final answer:
The California Trail diverged from the Oregon Trail between Fort Laramie and Fort Bridger, marking a significant route for settlers moving into California during the westward expansion of the 19th century.
Step-by-step explanation:
The California Trail separated from the Oregon Trail between Fort Laramie and Fort Bridger. This separation was integral in defining the routes of westward expansion in the United States during the 19th century. The Oregon Trail was a major route for pioneers traveling west, beginning in places like Independence, Missouri, and traversing across the Plains and the Rocky Mountains. As the movement into the West expanded, new routes branched off, with the California Trail extending south into California, providing a path for those heading towards the newfound opportunities and the Gold Rush.
The California Trail played a significant role in the migration patterns of settlers seeking prosperity in the West. Fort Laramie became an essential point of rest and resupply before the trails diverged and also served as a place where adjustments to travel plans were often made. These trails not only facilitated the movement of people but also played a role in the establishment of additional pathways and infrastructure, such as the establishment of forts and the later construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad.