Question

Read this entry from an oregon trail diary, and then answer the questions. in what year did abigail write this diary entry? june 29 - we came twenty miles. we struck the sweet water about two o'clock and about three came to independence rock; the sweet water is about one hundred feet in width; my sisters and i went to the base of the rock with the intention of climbing it but a we had only ascended about thirty feet when a heavy hail and wind storm arose …. we then started on after the wagons and before we reached them they had all crossed the river except the last to overtake. they had intended to let us wade it (it was waist deep) to learn us not to get so far behind the team.

a. 1843
b. 1850
c. 1861
d. 1875

Answer 1

The diary entry about the Oregon Trail most likely dates back to the year 1850, as it falls within the peak migration period of 1845 to 1870.

Step-by-step explanation:

Considering the details of the Oregon Trail and its usage during the peak of migration, we can deduce the probable year in question. The Oregon Trail was prominently used between 1845 and 1870, which aligns with the given years in the options. However, specifics on the intensity of migration during certain years, combined with the details given in the diary entry about Independence Rock and the Sweetwater river describe an experience typical of the height of westward expansion. Therefore, based on the options provided 1850 (Option B) is the most likely year when Abigail wrote this diary entry as it falls within the period of 1845 and 1870, which is considered the height of migration along the Oregon trail.